Participants were given a brief background on septage management, including basic definitions, an overview of the current situation in San Fernando, the laws governing sanitation in the Philippines, proper septic tank construction, and the relationship between septage management, health and the environment. The recent amendments to the City Sanitation Code (a description can be found here and the Ordinance here) were also discussed, as were the corresponding responsibilities of citizens and barangays. BHWs from all barangays confirmed that they have been carrying out the house-to-house campaign which began after the training session for BHWs on septage management in November. One hundred more brochures – on top of those already distributed since November - were handed out to each barangay for BHW distribution to small commercial establishments. The final component of the meetings was an open forum during which those present asked questions and discussed what they had learned.
On April 15, 2011, former Mayor Mary Jane Ortega hosted a Youth Sanitation Symposium at the Provincial Capitol. 80 enthusiastic youth representing the Philippine Red Cross, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, Union Christian College, and St. Louis College took part in this sharing of ideas.
After introductory remarks by Mary Jane Ortega, the session began with a presentation by Lisa Lumbao of USAID-Philippine Sanitation Alliance on the importance of wastewater management and what is currently being done in San Fernando. Then, Sustainable Cities International interns, Stu Campana and Clara Blakelock, led an asset mapping session wherein groups of 8-10 were invited to brainstorm elements within and outside their communities that could be used to help promote septage management and sanitation. Each group presented their ideas, demonstrating a strong commitment to sanitation and awareness building in their community. The ideas ranged from the use of clubs and newspapers within their universities, to community organizations, to churches, and much more.
Promoting this project is a tough job, and it is not possible, nor would it be effective for the city government to give presentations to every citizen in San Fernando. Outreach by community members such as barangay leadership, BHWs and enthusiastic youth will be a key component in ensuring that everyone in San Fernando learns about the importance of septage and sewerage management and sanitation.
