Baguio Green and Integrated Wastewater Management

Key City Development Issues

Inadequate wastewater management infrastructure and flooding are two of the major challenges faced by Baguio City. While one-third of the city population of about 330,000 is served by the Baguio Sewage Treatment Plant (BSTP), the rest of the city residents use poorly maintained septic tanks discharging to groundwater and surface drainage thereby polluting the four river systems flowing through the city. Flooding during heavy rainfall and typhoons has become frequent and often caused by clogging of natural and man-made drainage structures. With limited sewerage coverage in the city, overflowing drainage systems coupled with untreated sewage pose a health hazard and increase the risk of water supply contamination.

Details of Cooperation

CDIA provided technical assistance to the city of Baguio in the following areas: (i) analysis of the existing status of sanitation, wastewater management and stormwater drainage in the city; (ii) development of a strategy for progressive improvement of sanitation wastewater management and stormwater drainage over the period 2016-2035; and (iii) pre-feasibility study (PFS) of priority urban infrastructure relating to wastewater management, drainage management and flood control.

Expected Development Outcomes

The improvement of the sewerage and sanitation facilities will have positive impacts on the environment and the health of the city’s population, as well as promoting environmental awareness among its citizens. In addition, the improved drainage infrastructure and wastewater facilities will benefit the poor population of the city, as well as women and children who are most vulnerable and adversely affected by water borne diseases and poor sanitation.