Zaldy Collado Adamson University The Philippine Current Conditions on Water and Sanitation Vis-à-vis the Sustainable Development Goals Zaldy Collado Adamson University

Introduction UN’s Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) Pressing Issues of Sustainability Rio+20 Conference on Sustainable Development – produced the document called “The Future We Want” – that document gave rise to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) ratified last year. SDGs – content: 17 Major Goals, with specific sub-goals, almost each is set to be fulfilled on or before 2030. This paper focuses on Goal 6 (availability and sustainable management of water and sustainability).

Discussion Sub-Goal Where are we now? (2016) What to do? (Towards 2030) Goal 6.1. by 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all The Phil. Fifth Progress Report on MDG. 1998 – 78.1% 2011 – 84.4 % 6.3% increase in 6 years. MDG achieved. ADB too conclude that Phils. achieved the MDG for having 92% coverage even before 2015. PSA had the same conclusion when it reported that 86% out of 23 million families had access to safe drinking water. *Update master plan and sector information for a more meaningful management of water resources so that a strong planning and committed implementation may take place. *Harmonize national policies on water investment vis-à-vis water districts. *Capacity-building for LGUs (seen as poor managers of water infrastructures.

Sub-Goal Where are we now? (2016) What to do? (Towards 2030) Goal 6.2. by 2030, achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation, paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable situations ASEAN Report mentioned that 9 out of 10 Filipinos have access to improved sanitation facilities. By 2010 alone, 92% coverage. PSA in 2015 said that 94.1% of the total population have access to improved sanitation facilities. ADB’s findings are consistent to that report saying that in 2012, the coverage was already 92%. (ADB thinks that still sanitation sector suffers under investment) *Boost budget appropriation for sanitation. In LGUs, this sector is seemingly forgotten because of lack of the knowledge of its cost and benefits. *The national government must also provide for a clear cut national target for this sector. We do not even have comprehensive investment plans and strategy.

Sub-Goal Where are we now? (2016) What to do? (Towards 2030) Goal 6.3. by 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing and safe reuse globally   No data on the quantity of the treated wastewater. Thus, no real assessment can be made. (UN) EMB-DENR assured that it continually works for partnerships with different agencies on waste water treatment technologies. *Continue exploring water technologies and their applications to Philippines needs. For future assessment, related agencies must provide data on the matter.

Sub-Goal Where are we now? (2016) What to do? (Towards 2030) 6.4. by 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and substantially reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity. DENR assured that there are plenty of freshwater resources. Only threats are El N. and rapid population growth. WRI – water shortage in 2040. JICA – water shortage in 2025. Water scarcity – not imminently alarming. *continue government campaign on water conservation. *boost financial appropriation for the protection of water resources.

Sub-Goal Where are we now? (2016) What to do? (Towards 2030) 6.5. By 2030, implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as appropriate Greenpeace report (2007) – over 30 government agencies. UN (2013) – over 40 government agencies. Thus, they characterized Phil. Water management is fragmented. *Continue with the government’s plan to create the SUPERBODY. *It was first conceived under the PNOY administration. *Did not materialize.

Sub-Goal Where are we now? (2016) What to do? (Towards 2030) 6.6. by 2020, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers and lakes DENR identified these water-related ecosystems. The problem admittedly is that they fail to monitor each as they are financially constrained and under-manned. (688 identified, only 199 or 29% of them are monitored) (5 years to achieve) *Boost budget to related agencies to effectively carry out their mandates.

Sub-Goal Where are we now? (2016) What to do? (Towards 2030) 6.a by 2030, expand international cooperation and capacity-building support to developing countries in water and sanitation DENR assured that expanding international cooperation is part of their management culture. Related documents show the agency’s partnerships with international and national agencies. *continue and explore further cooperation and partnerships to international agencies.

Sub-Goal Where are we now? (2016) What to do? (Towards 2030) 6.b Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management DENR mentioned in their report that they really involve local communities in matters concerning their water and sanitation. However, how exactly these partnerships are forged or to what extent these communities help are not clear. *continue strengthen community involvement. *provide data for future assessment.

Conclusion Though we have scored relatively good to start off the SDG (goal 7), the call is still to close the gaps of those who still suffer the lack of water (or its shortage) towards 2030 as well as those who do not have access to improved sanitation facilities. In the end, the fulfilment of the goal 7 is under the principle that “access to water and sanitation is an integral part of human dignity” (UN).