The Sewerage &

Wastewater Treatment
Plant Project
(A Public-Private Partnership)
The Puerto Galera Experience

Presented by Mayor Hubbert “MD” A. Dolor, MD, MPA

Public Private Partnership - A Case Study
National Conference on ENR Financing
September 24, 2009, Manila
What is Puerto Galera?

 a small municipality of approximately

25,247.23 hectares

 has 42 km. long coasts, consisting of

shorelines rimmed with dazzling white
beaches, coconut plantations and
delightful scenery

 130 km South of Manila

 is strategically located at the
northernmost tip of the province of
Oriental Mindoro

 lies along the Verde Island Passage

Marine Biodiversity Conservation
Corridor where the South China Sea
and the Pacific Ocean waters
converge; bringing in nutrients that
sustain the biodiversity of marine life
in the area.
• VOTED MEMBER OF UNESCO
• AFFILIATED AS THE 32ND MEMBER OF THE CLUB OF THE MOST
BEAUTIFUL BAYS IN THE WORLD
• DECLARED AS A MAN & BIOSPHERE RESERVE IN DECEMBER 1973
• A WORLD CLASS DIVING HAVEN WITH 41 DIVE SITES
• CLASSIFIED AS A TOURISM ZONE IN 1978
• CURRENTLY HOSTS MORE THAN 1 MILLION TOURISTS A YEAR
• TO TOP IT ALL, PUERTO GALERA IS AMONG THE FAVORITE
TOURISM DESTINATIONS IN THE WORLD AND IS A MELTING POT
OF ALL SORTS OF SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL
INTERVENTIONS WHICH ONLY PROVES ITS VITAL ROLE IN THE
WORLD ENVIRONMENT.
The Verde Island Passage is now
more popularly known as the

“center of the center

of marine biodiversity”
where Puerto Galera lies. Must
we remain as mere spectators?
We cannot. We must do
something about the rapid
degradation of the marine
environment.
Puerto Galera Waters is so significant
but. . . What’s been happening?
 IT WAS DECLARED
AN ECOLOGICALLY
EN DANGERED ZONE
PER PD 1605 IN
NOVEMBER 1980, AS
AMENDED BY PD
1605-A & 1805

and

 DECLARED A
MARINE SANCTUARY
AND NATIONAL
PROTECTED AREA
IN NOVEMBER 2006
Why do we say these?

 To emphasize the fact that this town is

significant not only in history but also
geographically.

 Taking into consideration environmental

economics, we say, we have to
sustainably protect our environment.
The local government, one of
the prime movers for societal There’s the
change now recognizes the DENR, the
need for proper WWF, the MSI,
environmental action. Who the SCOTIA and
can we tap to help us? the PEMSEA, to
And what is this so-called name a few.
environmental economics?
Who can teach us these?

You mean, all

public and
Why private persons
don’t we including the
tap all different
sectors? institutions.
Why not?
DOING NOTHING ABOUT SEWAGE
POLLUTION
RISK
 Increased health risk
e.g. diarrhea, typhoid, polio,
hepatitis.)
 Deterioration of quality of
water resources.
 Deterioration of coastal,
marine and terrestrial
habitats.
 Decline in fisheries.
 Tourists go elsewhere -
decline in tourism industry.
COST
 Loss of income due to
sickness and higher
medical costs for
treatment.
 Higher cost for water
supply.
 Reduction in income of
fisher folk.
 Loss of tourism related
jobs and livelihood.
HIG
H HIG
H
Current situation:
Our vision:

A progressive, globally competitive tourism

municipality that upholds and enhances the
rights of the people to a balance ecology,
enriches culture, maintains peace and order,
and preserves the comfort and convenience of
a God-centered citizenry
Here is our basis in saying there is
gradual degradation in the
environment:
Sabang, Puerto Galera 2006
FECAL COLIFORM GEOMEAN RQ

Seashore Resort 883.69 4.42

Near Sabang Inn 10,945.93 54.73
Pavillon Floating Bar 2,504.30 12.52
Triton Diver 48,929.66 244.65
Mabuhay Resort 174.64 0.87
La Laguna Beach Club 59.91 0.30

Source: Department of Environment and Natural Resources

Water Quality Monitoring
Now, how do we perceive the problem
of sanitation taking into consideration
our vision?

 It is neither an issue of hygiene nor

environment sanitation. Neither is it private
nor public. It is not even an issue of cultural
practices. Most of all, it is not too hard and
not too expensive.

 It is all of the above.

We responded to the challenges of the
Global Environmental Change (GEC)
Owing to the geographical importance of
Puerto Galera it attracts all sorts of attention
not only locally but internationally. Moreover,
we cannot forego the economic gains our
people get thus, begun the great history of
the Public Private Partnership (PPP) which
we now call the
PPP-Puerto Galera Experience.
What did we / what did I do as the
new leader of Puerto Galera?

 Evaluated local government systems and

implemented new ones to effect desired
changes;

 Held several consultative meetings from

day 1 in office, with almost all of the
residents of this municipality from all
sectors;
 Implemented unpopular measures like the
EUF collection as a major step in caring
for our precious environment and cure
financial anemia; and

 Currently, take all political risks by

engaging in the Build-Operate-Transfer
scheme as amended by RA 7718 of
constructing the much needed Sewerage
and Wastewater Treatment Project though
opposed by some.
Is it a Priority Program?
 Yes, it is! We have to help save the
environment.
 Sanitation has always been a first priority
because we foresaw that with even a bit of
bad news that Puerto Galera waters is
contaminated, tourism will die, and
everything that the local government
worked for will be gone – so is the future
of its people.
 If it isn’t a priority, we don’t know what is!
What resources have been mobilized?
 Mostly, it’s human resource, time and effort.
 Conducted intensive information and education
campaigns even in schools.
 Tackled the problems on solid waste and
wastewater in several meetings so that the
different sector heads and members were
conditioned that what our government should
do is address the environmental problem.
What could be the impact of these
actions?
 Based on our vision, we can be at par with
other eco-tourism destinations, ensure
progressive economic growth and keep
the lifestyle of the citizenry at the best they
can afford. Peace and order can also be
maintained when the economy is healthy.
To top it all, we can leave a healthy
natural environment for posterity!
How were we able to get the
stakeholders’ support?
 Through involvement – encouraged them to
share in every aspect of the program: on pre-
implementation, during implementation, and in
evaluation of program/project progress.

 Through collaboration – program launches were

done in different barangays (the smallest unit of
government in the Philippines).
 Through example – by sheer display of
transparency, the legislative body supported all
programs of government.

 Through establishment of trust – leaders who

were delegated to do different tasks were left to
decide on matters that fall under their jurisdiction.
What legislative support do we have?
 Since 1989, we enacted municipal laws.
regulations and policies which are now
compiled into a book recognized even by the
Department of Environment and Natural
Resources;
 In 1992, RA 7160 was passed. Section 16 of
which “. . . encourage and support the
development of appropriate and self-reliant
scientific and technological capabilities. . .” by
local government units;
 In 2005, we enacted the Coastal Resources
Management Plan with the help of the World
Wide Fund and the Locsin Foundation-- from
which sprang the Environmental Users Fee
(EUF) System or Municipal Ordinance # 06-
03 which was enacted in 2006.
 In November 16, 2007 with enabling
ordinances (the IRR on the EUF) we
started the EUF system collection.

 1st quarter of 2008 – started negotiations

with all stakeholders on the then proposed
Build-Operate-Transfer scheme as
amended by RA 7718 of constructing the
controversial Sanitation and Wastewater
Treatment Project.
How were we able to get the support of
the communities and the tourism
sector in this program?

 Held consultative meetings/public hearings on

the proposed program/project; and

 Made them part of the Technical Working

Group (TWG) that dealt with every aspect of
program/project implementation from planning
up to the actual negotiations with the partner
agency.
What other factors contributed to a
workable sanitation program?
 Worked based on legal requirements from
the Department of Environment and
Natural Resources (DENR), the National
Economic and Development
Administration (NEDA), the Department of
Interior and Local Government (DILG), the
Department of Budget and Management
(DBM), the Department of Health (DOH),
and other concerned agencies;
 Consulted laws, policies and regulations, to
wit: the BOT Law, RA 7160, DAO # 34 & 35,
and other pertinent laws;

 Collaborated with World Wide Fund (WWF),

the Partnerships in Environmental
Management for the Seas of Asia (PEMSEA),
Sustainable Coastal Tourism in Asia
(SCOTIA), the Provincial Government of
Oriental Mindoro, the Barangay Government
of Sabang, the host barangay of the proposed
project;
 Gave all Puerto Galerans and visitors a
stake in the program and in environmental
protection i.e., through the Environmental
Users Fee (EUF);

 We made them realize that the future of

Puerto Galera and all its peoples lies in
the responsible use of the environment.
 The History of
THE SEWERAGE & WASTEWATER TREATMENT
PLANT PROJECT

A Municipal Project adopted by

THE COASTAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT
BOARD

2004
November 17: Enactment of Ordinance No. 04-14, Creating a
Coastal Resources Conservation and Management Board (CRMB)
in Puerto Galera. The CRMB was re-organized by Executive Order
No. 17, on January 5, 2009.

2005
June: Formulation of Puerto Galera Coastal Resources
Management Plan 2006-2010, “Building Strength for Sustainable
Fisheries and Tourism, with assistance of WWF-Philippines.
2005
December 5-6: Visit of PEMSEA environmental and investment
specialists to Puerto Galera upon invitation of the former Mayor
Aristeo E. Atienza

2006
March 31: Execution of Tri-Partite Memorandum of Agreement
between the Municipality of Puerto Galera, PEMSEA and SCOTIA.

April 19: Stakeholders Consensus Building and Action Plan

Workshop was held in Puerto Galera

July 25: Training workshop conducted in Puerto Galera for the

enumerators, facilitators and encoders for Willingness to Pay
(WTP) Survey.

July 26 –August 1: PEMSEA, SCOTIA and WWF-Philippines

conduct of WTP Survey using contingent valuation method (CVM.)

August 2 -14: Encoding of results of WTP survey by LGU staff.

2006
August 28: Completion of Feasibility Study for Sabang
Sewerage Collection and Treatment Plant Project by
PEMSEA technical team, covering Sabang Beach, Big
Lalaguna and Small Lalaguna with a total composite
sewer area of 127,697 square meters.

2007
January 24: Enactment of Municipal Ordinance 06-03,
Establishing the EUF System in the Municipality of
Puerto Galera.

November 16: Kick - off of EUF implementation. This is a very

memorable day.

December 20: Enactment of Municipal Resolution No.

07-230, Prioritizing the Implementation of the Sewage
and Wastewater Treatment Plan in the Municipality.
people of the world. Thus, on
November 16, 2007 with sheer
political will and a genuine desire
to address the almost rapid
degradation of our environment
we implemented the
Environmental Users’ Fee system
(EUF). Thus began the classic
example of a true Public Private
Partnership -- with the private
persons giving their share for
environmental care to the
government that now spearheads
Information and Education Campaign with the support of
TOSCA, USAid and SCOTIA - Philippines
2008
June 30: Enactment of Municipal Resolution No. 2008-117,
Approving the Sewerage Collection and Treatment System
Project in Barangay Sabang and Request for Proposal,
authorizing
Hon. Hubbert Christopher A. Dolor, MD MPA, Municipal Mayor to
Proceed with the Procurement and Competitive Bidding
Processes in accordance with BOT Law.

March 5: 1st Sabang Public Consultation and Dialogue

Concerning the Proposed Sewerage and Wastewater Treatment
Plant to be located in Big Lalaguna area.

March 31: Enactment of Provincial Development Council

Resolution No. 02, Series of 2008, Endorsing the Construction of
Sewerage and Wastewater Treatment Plant at Big Lalaguna,
Sabang, Puerto Galera

May 16: 2nd Sabang Public Consultation and Dialogue

Concerning the Proposed Sewerage and Wastewater Treatment
Plant to be located in Big Lalaguna area.
AUGUST 8, 2008 PROJECT PUBLIC CONSULTATION AND PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN
2008
July 2 – 23: Publication of Invitation to Bid / Request for Proposals

July 22: Issuance of Bid Documents, with registration of 5

proponents.

August 7: Pre-Bid Conference

August 8: Formal launch of project, public consultation and

municipal wide publicity campaign.

October 20: Submission of Proposals

October 20 – November 15: Evaluation of Proposals

December 10: Enactment MIMAROPA Regional Development

Council of RDC Resolution No. 026-137-2008, Endorsing for
Implementation of the Proposed Sewerage and Wastewater
Treatment Project in Barangay Sabang, Puerto Galera, through LGU
– Private Sector Partnership.
 A PRIORITY MUNICIPAL PROJECT ADOPTED BY
THE COASTAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION & MANAGEMENT BOARD
2009
January 28: Enactment of Municipal Resolution No. 001,
Series of 2009, approving contract award to the winning
bidder, Puerto Galera Water Consortium (now Puerto Galera
Infrastructure Corporation) upon recommendation of the
PBAC, with exercise of option to appoint winning proponent to
operate, manage and maintain the sewerage collection and
treatment system project.

January 29: Issuance of Notice of Award to winning

proponent.

April 4: Execution of Contract with the private sector

proponent

July 3: Release of notarized copy of contract.

APRIL 4, 2009 CONTRACT SIGNING
 PERPECTIVE OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY
MODULAR / SBR – NH4 PO TECHNOLOGY

DESIGN PARAMETERS:
Capacity 3,500 cu.m.
per Day
per DENR DAO 35 for SB
Effluent marine waters
Standards
Fecal Coliform
200 MPN/100mL
monthy geometric
mean per 15 grab
samples

Total 1Mg/L
Phosphorus
(as PO4)
10Mg/L
Total Nitrogen
(as TN)

Sequential batch reactor (SBR), a biological cleaning process with

application of NH4 PO process for the removal of phosphorus and nitrogen
and modular system for treatment of additional capacity in the future.
 Sewerage Pipe Laying:
An Opportunity to Improve Beachfront Walkway

EXISTING
BEACHFRONT
WALKWAY

EXISTING DIRECT DISCHARGE

OF SEWERAGE TO BEACH
 SAMPLE BEACHFRONT
WALKWAY DEVELOPMENT
Puerto Galera . . .
Malaparaisong Dalampasigan
 We cannot,
we will not,
and we must
not
neglect the marine environment
Because WE MUST NOT
COMPROMISE the FUTURE..
This is the Puerto Galera
we know now -- vibrant,
enjoyable and beneficial
to mankind. We MUST
endeavor to leave this
paradise to the future
generations. Shouldn’t
we be part of its
conservation?
WE PUERTO GALERANS
We value the PARTNERSHIP
we have established with
everyone and with every
sector . . .

Maraming
Salamat Po !

Mayor Hubbert “MD” A. Dolor, MD, MPA

Municipality of Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro