The proposed GEF-supported activities in MM have significant scope, opportunities and avenues on two levels: i) the institutional mechanism, and ii) the joint septage-sewage treatment technology.
Replication of a process that streamlines institutional formation in a sector and integrates investment planning in that sector, though not as obvious as the replication of a technology, has potential in the six other major watershed areas of the Manila Bay region, as well as elsewhere in the Philippines and in Asia. The Manila Bay is already institutionalized as one of PEMSEA’s regional demonstration sites and is linked with the GEF SCS. The Laguna Lake, through its apex institution the LLDA, has become partner to an international network of institutions and organizations sharing common concerns. The Pasig River is recipient of significant donor support, notably from ADB and DANIDA, and is an important indicator of success of pollution initiatives. The unique institutional partnership to be forged by the project represents an area that has the potential to provide working models of a partnership, with projects implemented on the ground that will benefit other basins in the country, region and the world.
The replication of joint septage-sewage treatment technology has tremendous prospects. On average, based on the 2000 census, an estimated 83 percent of the households in MM were reported to have septic tanks. The percent coverage translates to roughly 1.4 million of the 1.7 million households with access to septic tanks which would require desludging every six years. With the currently limited capacity of the MWCI and MWSI as well as private contractors to collect and treat septage, there is huge market potential for a small-scale and joint sewage and septage treatment facilities.
With regards to replication in general, project workshops will specifically provide for the sharing of knowledge, skills, and best practices in ecosystem-based management approaches, with partners within and outside the watershed. Representatives from PEMSEA will be invited to attend and help disseminate the experience and workshop documents. Conversely MTSP representatives will participate in conferences sponsored by GEF and PEMSEA, such as the biannual GEF International Waters Conference and PEMSEA’s East Asian Seas Congress.
In addition to the project-funded replication activities described above, the overall Program will also include separately funded-activities to disseminate and promote the adoption of various technologies and pilot projects financed under the Program