Sustainability for Environment, Tourism: PGLU Inaugurates New Septage Treatment Plant in San Juan
By: Provincial Government-Environment and Natural Resources Office; Geraldine B. Salazar-Lucero, PIO | Photos By: Rizalde Buenaventura, PIO | Date: January 24, 2025
Addressing wastewater concerns in the most visited tourist destination in the province, the Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) partnered with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of San Juan in the construction of a Septage Treatment Plant (STP), which was formally inaugurated on January 24, 2025, in Sinapangan, San Juan, La Union.
Gov. Raphaelle Veronica “Rafy” Ortega-David and San Juan Mayor Arturo P. Valdriz led the event, joined by local officials, barangay councils, and representatives from various government offices and organizations. The facility aims to enhance wastewater management in compliance with Republic Act 9275, also known as the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004.
San Juan, renowned as the “Surfing Capital of the North,” experiences a high volume of tourists, leading to increased wastewater production. To address this, PGLU assisted LGU San Juan in conducting a feasibility study and constructing the facility, while the municipality provided the lot for its development. The STP will treat wastewater from households and businesses, ensuring its safe discharge into water bodies or reuse for crop irrigation.
Gov. Rafy underscored the project's importance in environmental sustainability, stating, “Napakahalaga para sa bayan ng San Juan ang ganitong proyekto upang masolusyonan ang problema sa wastewater, lalo na’t marami ang natatanggap nating bisita araw-araw.”
Mayor Valdriz expressed gratitude to PGLU for its support, highlighting the project as a testament of La Union PROBINSYAnihan for environmental protection and public health.
With the construction of STP in San Juan, it shows that the PGLU continues to prioritize it’s #KalikasanNaman campaign through sustainable solutions to environmental challenges, ensuring that tourism growth does not come at the cost of environmental degradation.
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