Septage Treatment Plant in Bacnotan Inaugurated: A Step Towards Environmental Sustainability
By: Diana E. Jutba, GPC-ENRO | Photos By: PIO | Date: August 15, 2023
The Local Government of Bacnotan, La Union has intensified its wastewater management as it recently inaugurated its Septage Treatment Plant on August 15, 2023 at Brgy. Bacsil, Bacnotan, La Union.
Governor Raphaelle Veronica "Rafy" Ortega-David together with Mayor Divina Fontanilla led the inauguration ceremony on August 15, 2023 at Brgy. Bacsil, Bacnotan, La Union.
Gov. Rafy highlighted #LaUnionPROBINSYAnihan during the inauguration giving due recognition to the collaborative efforts of Bacnotan LGU and the Provincial Government of La Union.
She also mentioned the project's genesis during the tenure of former Governor Francisco Emmanuel “Pacoy” R. Ortega III, emphasizing the continuity of efforts across administrations to safeguard the environment for future generations.
Governor Rafy reaffirmed her unwavering support for Bacnotan LGU in optimizing the facility's operations, serving not only their municipality but also the neighboring towns. She praised Bacnotan's dedication to wastewater management and aligned it with the #Kalikasan Naman campaign, a hallmark of the Provincial Government's environmental initiatives.
Mayor Divina Fontanilla extended her gratitude to all who have helped on one way or another for making the project possible especially through the Provincial Government of La Union and to former Mayor, now Vice Mayor Francisco Angelito Fontanilla. She urged the public especially the barangays to take conscious efforts on ensuring environmental sanitation in their locality. She further called on and emphasized to her constituents to embark and cultivate the culture of La Union PROBINSYAnihan and urges the barangays for their cooperation to sustain the facility.
On the other hand, Vice Mayor Fontanilla echoed his optimism for the project's impact, not just within Bacnotan, but throughout the entire province. He expressed hopes that improved environmental sanitation would lead to enhanced water quality and an elevated quality of life for residents.
Also present during the inauguration were Sangguniang Bayan members of Bacnotan, LGU Department Heads, Barangay Officials, PG-ENRO Provincial Government Assistant Department Head Annalyn Rosario-Valdez, and Provincial Engineer Ressie A. Estrella.
The establishment of the Septage Treatment Plant aligns with the Department of the Interior and Local Government's (DILG) mandate, outlined in Memorandum Circular No. 2019-62, requiring all local government units (LGUs) to establish sewage treatment and management systems. This policy underscores the importance of proper sewage treatment across residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional establishments.
Moreover, the plant's completion falls within the scope of the National Sewerage and Septage Management Program (NSSMP) by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), which sets the goal of implementing septage management systems across all LGUs by 2020.
In line with the strategic initiative of the PG-ENRO under its SoLUsyon sa PoLUsyon Program, the collaboration between the Provincial Government and Bacnotan LGU is indeed a manifestation of our love for La Union and for the environment through La Union PROBINSYAnihan.
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