This project forms part of the Bank’s assistance to the GOP through Manila Third Sewerage
Project (MTSP). MTSP will finance a series of sewage treatment systems that will allow GOP to
evaluate the viability of various options for sewage management. In particular, through MTSP,
Bank assistance is providing crucial support for the demonstration of the technical and financial
viability of cost-effective combined sewerage systems in the Philippine context.
Implemented parallel to MTSP, this GEF supported project, with the Department of Environment
and Natural Resources (DENR) as its lead implementing agency, will provide complementary
institutional and scientific support such that GOP can complete the following work prior to the
next rate rebasing consultations which will commence in 2007: initiate institutional coordination
for the Pasig River, Laguna Lake and Manila Bay watersheds; identify environmental risk areas
in MM; prepare standard and allowable discharge regulations for all tributaries in MM; help GOP prioritize the environmental clean-up of Manila Bay; and, demonstrate the viability of joint
sewage-septage treatment in MM. This project is considered to be a barrier-removal project, as
the outcomes of this project will target and initiate increased investment by the private sector, the
Bank and other IFIs in environmental priority areas in MM. The DENR has been chosen as the
implementing agency as it is the chief environmental regulator in the Philippines.