THE Department of Finance (DoF) said that its office along Roxas Boulevard in Manila has commissioned and launched a P2.8 million state-of-the-art sewage treatment facility, in line with the government’s efforts to rehabilitate the Manila Bay.
“The DoF Building’s sewage treatment facility discharges effluent into the Manila Bay that is classified as Class C, which is fit for fishing and the propagation and growth of fish and other aquatic resources. This is the minimum standard of the DENR for water being discharged into the bay. We are now conducting tests to check what still needs to be done so that our STP can meet the Class B requirement, which is fit for bathing and swimming,” Alvin P. Diaz, DoF Director, said in a statement on Tuesday.
Last Sunday, the DENR issued cease and desist orders to three establishments allegedly releasing pollutants into Manila Bay, and served notices of violation to six businesses that do not have proper sewage treatment plants (STPs). The DENR earlier called on government offices to comply with environmental laws and serve as models especially for the ongoing rehabilitation of Manila Bay.
Mr. Diaz said that DoF’s refurbished building has a number of environment-friendly features such as LED lighting systems and efficient air conditioning, which it held up as a model for other government establishments up for renovation.
“Even the impressive glass envelope in front of the building serves a purpose other than to be aesthetically pleasing, The glass cladding cuts the noise entering the building and also reduces the heat which makes it energy efficient,” Mr. Diaz said.
“We are currently working for the DENR’s issuance of a discharge permit that will validate DoF’s compliance with existing rules and regulations,” Mr. Diaz noted.
According to Mr. Diaz, the STP is self-maintaining, thus does not generate maintenance costs.
Mr. Diaz added: “The advantage of having an STP is that you are able to regulate and control effluent water, making sure that it is in compliance with the government requirements, and thus contributing to the preservation of our marine resources.”
“Among the government agencies with their STPs are the City Hall of Caloocan, Casimiro Henares Hospital in Rizal, Antipolo Hospital, Langhari Public Market in Malabon, and the Molino Public Market in Bacoor, Cavite, to name a few,” Mr. Diaz said. — Reicelene Joy N. Ignacio

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