Cagayan de oro: The local government has commenced the installation of its second wastewater treatment facility valued at PHP12.4 million at the Cogon Public Market, the city's central trading hub. This initiative is part of a wider effort to combat water pollution and align with the Philippine Clean Water Act.
According to Philippines News Agency, Lawyer Marianne Ragas, chief of the City Economic Enterprise and Business Development Administration (CEEBDA), noted that the facility is being constructed by contractors engaged by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which finances the project to assist local governments. "It is estimated to be finished within four months, but we are coordinating with the contractors for the possibility it can lessen the timeframe in consideration of our motorists," she stated, advising the public to plan their travels as the bustling market area will face disruptions during construction.
In October 2025, the city government inaugurated its first wastewater treatment facility at the same public market, marking a significant milestone in the city's commitment to ensuring the proper treatment of wastewater generated from one of its largest and busiest public markets. Another facility at Carmen Public Market was commissioned in July 2025.
The Cogon facility is designed to treat wastewater from the market prior to discharge, thereby improving water quality in nearby water bodies and enhancing the city's environmental sustainability. The Japanese-developed technology, provided by Hinode Sangyo Co., Ltd. through JICA, is tailored for local assembly and manufacturing, with an emphasis on raising public awareness about sanitation.
Ragas mentioned that based on the local government's annual procurement plan, 11 additional wastewater treatment facility projects totaling PHP632.3 million are scheduled for future construction, primarily targeting public markets. The city also inaugurated a leachate treatment facility at its sanitary landfill, capable of processing 300 cubic meters per day.
These treatment projects are integral to the city's adherence to Republic Act 9275 (Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004), which mandates that establishments such as markets, public buildings, hospitals, and commercial centers either have sewage treatment facilities or be connected to a sewerage system.
