IRR: Regulation Ordinance No.

2017-127
Septage Management Program in Iloilo City

Republic of the Philippines

City of Iloilo
OFFICE OF THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD

IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATION (IRR)

OF ORDINANCE NO. 2017-127
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE
SEPTAGE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM IN ILOILO CITY

Pursuant to Sections 9, 10 and 21 of Ordinance No. 2017-127, the City Septage

Management Authority (CSMA) hereby promulgates and adopts the following rules and
regulations; and implements certain provisions and specifications related to septage management
of the National Building Code (R.A. 6541), Code on Sanitation (PD 856), Revised National
Plumbing Code of the Philippines (R.A. 1378), and Philippine Clean Water Act (R.A. 9275).
These implementing rules and regulations include all text of the Ordinance with rules added at
the end of certain section, as needed.

Article I – Title

This ordinance shall be known as the “An Ordinance Establishing a Septage Management
Program (SMP) in Iloilo City”.

Title. These rules shall be known and cited as the Implementing Rules and Regulations
(IRR) of Ordinance No. 2017-127, the “Septage Management Program in Iloilo
City”.
Reference. The text of Ordinance No. 2017-127 is reproduced herein for reference
purposes.
Effectivity of the Ordinance. Ordinance No.2017-127 was enacted on August 15,
2017. It became effective 10 days after its publication.

Article II – Coverage

SECTION 1. Coverage. This Ordinance shall apply to all buildings and structures:

1. All residential buildings including but not limited to dormitories, boarding houses,
condominium and bed spaces offered for rent, retail stores and other businesses if the
owner thereof actually live therein;

2. All commercial buildings, including, but not limited to stores, malls, groceries,
markets, hotels, resorts, recreational establishments, poultries, and livestock raising;

3. All industrial establishments, including, but not limited to factories, manufacturing

plants;

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4. All government structures, including, but not limited to barangay halls, government
offices, public utilities;

5. All Institutional structures, including but not limited to schools, colleges, universities,
churches and health centers.

Rule 1.1 Interpretation of the Scope and Coverage. The Septage Management
Program Ordinance of Iloilo City shall apply to all who shall use water and
produce wastewater with permanent or prolonged effect to the environment. This
shall cover all buildings, facilities and structures whether public or private,
residential or commercial, industrial, institutional, recreational,
proposed/planned or existing or any activity/endeavor that are currently supplied
with water through ground water extraction or supplied by the water district, and
other service providers. A supplemental IRR will be formulated in the future for
those who are not currently supplied with water by the water district.

Rule 1.2 Exemptions. Buildings, structures or businesses that have on-site

wastewater treatment facilities authorized and permitted by (1) the City
Government, (2) the Environmental Management Bureau and (3) the Department
of Health (DOH) shall be exempted from this Ordinance or those that have active
and authorized connections to sewerage system. These establishments shall show
proof of discharge permit and compliance to effluent standards.

SECTION 2. Pre-treatment for Commercial and Industrial Facilities. All commercial and
industrial establishments generating wastewater containing substances of commercial nature
such as, but not limited to oil or fuel residue, metals or high volume of fats and grease and
institutional establishments producing wastewater containing toxic, chemical, infectious and
radioactive waste shall be required to put in place appropriate pre-treatment facilities or program
duly approved by the CENRO based on the existing effluent standards of the DENR.

Article III – Definitions

SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. As used in the Ordinance, the following terms and phrases
shall mean:

3.1 Alternative Wastewater Treatment Systems – Wastewater treatment system separate

and distinct from conventional septic tanks utilizing new technologies for treating wastewater.

3.2 Anaerobic Ponds – refer to deep stabilization ponds used to treat high strength
organic wastewater that also contains high concentration of solids. Anaerobic treatment does not
require the presence and use of oxygen and encourages the growth of bacteria, which breaks
down the waste material, releasing methane and carbon dioxide.

3.3 Baffle – refers to a device (as a wall or screen) to deflect, check or regulate the flow
of septage. It promotes preliminary and primary treatment of the incoming sewage by allowing
the physical separation of solid and liquid components in the sewage.

3.4 CENRO – refers to the City Environment and Natural Resources Office

3.5 Chamber – refers to an enclosed space, cavity or compartment of a septic tank.

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3.6 Communal Excreta Disposal System – refers to an excreta disposal system serving a
subdivision or urban group of dwelling units.

3.7 Desludger – also known as excavator or service provider in the collection or removal
of accumulated septage or fecal sludge from a septic tank and other sewage treatment facility for
treatment, re-use or disposal.

3.8 Desludging – refers to the process of removing or cleaning the accumulated sludge,
septage or sullage from the septic tank or wastewater treatment facility.

3.9 Digestion – refers to a microbiological process that converts the chemically complex
organic sludge to methane, carbon dioxide, and inoffensive humus-like material.

3.10 Disposal Field or Leaching Bed – refers to a soil-based effluent disposal system
composed of pipes and shallow trenches leading from the outlet of the septic tank, consisting of
open jointed or perforated pipes so distributed that effluent from a septic tank that is oxidized
and absorbed by the soil. The surrounding bedding material of the network of pipes should be of
high enough permeability to effect treatment by seepage.

3.11 Domestic Sewage – refers to sewage containing human excrement and liquid
household waste. Also called sanitary sewage.

3.12 Domestic Sludge – refers to the solid particle of domestic sewage, which settle at the
bottom of the sedimentation tank and is digested by anaerobic bacteria purely from domestic
sources, exclusive of industrial and hazardous wastes.

3.13 Effluent – refers to a general term denoting any wastewater, partially or completely
treated, or in its natural state, flowing out of a drainage canal, septic tank, building,
manufacturing plant, industrial plant, treatment plant, etc.

3.14 Facultative Ponds – refers to the shallow rectangular ponds that stabilize wastes
using a combination of anaerobic, aerobic, and facultative (aerobic-anaerobic) process.

3.15 Freeboard or Airspace of a Septic Tank – refers to the distance as measured from the
maximum liquid level line to the underside of the septic tank slab or cover.

3.16 Individual Excreta Disposal System – refers to an excreta disposal system serving a
dwelling unit.

3.17 Maturation Ponds – refers to a low-rate stabilization ponds that are designed to
provide for secondary effluent polishing and seasonal nitrification.

3.18 “P” Traps – refers to the traps used on plumbing fixtures, such as toilets and drains,
to prevent sewage gases from entering the plumbing system or the atmosphere.

3.19 Scum – refers to the slimy or filmy covering on the surface of the liquid in the septic
tank.

3.20 Seepage Pit – refers to a loosely lined excavation in the ground that receives the
discharge of a septic tank and designed to permit the effluent from the septic tank to seep
through pit bottom and sides.

3.21 Septage – refers to thickened and partially treated sewage that is removed from a
septic tank.

3.22 Septic Tank – refers to a watertight receptacle, which receives the discharge of a
sanitary plumbing system or part thereof, and is designed and constructed to accomplish the
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sedimentation and digestion of the organic matter in the sewage within the period of
detention/retention and to allow the liquid to discharge to a leaching field, sewer lines, a
combined sewerage network or directly to a secondary wastewater treatment facility in
accordance with the standards set forth by the Revised National Plumbing Code of the
Philippines.

3.23 Sewage – refers to any wastewater containing human, animal or vegetable waste
matter in suspension or solution including human excreta and urine and may possibly contain
liquids consisting of chemicals in solution.

3.24 Sewer – refers to a pipe or conduit for carrying sewage and wastewater.

3.25 Sewerage – refers to a comprehensive term, including all construction for collecting,
transporting, and pumping of sewage. Usually refers to a buried system of underground pipes.

3.26 Sewerage Works – refer to a comprehensive term for pumping, treating and final
disposal of effluent via a centralized treatment plant.

3.27 Sludge – refers to the precipitated solid matter with highly mineralized content
produced by water and sewage treatment processes.

3.28 Stabilization Pond – refers to a pond designed to treat wastewater in general using
solely naturally occurring biological treatment processes, and without the need for an electro-
mechanical energy input.

Article IV - Septage Management System

For purposes of this Ordinance, septage management refers to the comprehensive

programs for managing septic tanks and the procedures for the desludging, transporting, treating
and disposing of septic tank contents. As such, a Septage Management System is hereby
established which includes but not limited to the following:

SECTION 4. Excreta Septic Tank. All houses and/or residential buildings shall be required to
have an approved excreta septic tank as requirement for domestic sewage by DOH and /or
building official-unless connected to sewerage system with an off-site treatment or connected on-
site wastewater treatment facility.

Rule 4.1 Approved excreta septic tank shall mean any of the following:

4.1.1 Flush toilets properly connected to a community sewer;

4.1.2 Flush toilets connected to a septic tank constructed in
accordance with Section 7 herein;
4.1.3 Any approved type pit privy built in accordance with the
Sanitation Code (PD 856); and
4.1.4 Any disposal device approved by DOH.

SECTION 5. Desludging and Transfer of Septage. Liquid and/or solid materials removed
from septic tanks shall be removed and transferred by duly accredited desludger haulers/pumpers
to a duly accredited treatment facilities following DOH guidelines and other government
regulations on desludging and transport of sludge, except those that are operating under the
authority and supervision of the MIWD.

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No septage desludger hauler/pumper can unload or dispose of untreated septage in other

places, except through septage treatment management facilities accredited by CSMA, MIWD,
DENR or any agency or instrumentality of Philippine government including but not limited to
bodies of water, agricultural fields, and the drainage system within the city.

Haulers and pumpers operating within the city should secure business permit and
accreditation from the City Septage Management Authority (CSMA).

Rule 5.1 Desludging Procedures

5.1.1 All septic tanks in the city shall be desludged when half-full or every
three to five years whichever comes first.

5.1.2 The City may engage the services of accredited desludger or service
provider accredited service providers who will undertake the
desludging of septic tank of identified beneficiaries. The CSMA
shall require the cooperation of all service providers in planning for
coordinated desludging. These providers include those
commissioned by the City Gov’t., MIWD and all other service
providers who are rendering services to private individuals.

5.1.3 The collection of septage shall be done in coordination with the

Punong Barangay or his/her duly authorized representative who
shall sign the Certificate of Compliance/Sludge and Septage
Manifest Form.

5.1.4 It is the responsibility of the service provider to check the safety

equipment daily before proceeding to a collection site. Any safety
equipment deficiencies shall be reported to the supervisor. After the
desludging operation, the operator must clean and disinfect any
spills with a bleach solution or by spreading lime on the spillage. It
is the service provider’s responsibility to verify that sufficient
disinfectant (bleach or lime) is on the truck before it goes to a
collection site.

5.1.5 Desludging workers must wear appropriate personal protective

equipment, including rubber gloves, rubber boots, a face mask, and
eye protection. After desludging pumping, operators must wash their
hands with soap. No employee should enter a septic tank without
proper health and safety equipment, including a rope for retrieval in
case the worker becomes unconscious.

Rule 5.2 Transfer of Septage to Treatment Facility

5.2.1 The driver and service providers are responsible for safe operation
of the vehicle and equipment at all times. Traffic rules must be
followed at all times. All accidents and citations shall be reviewed
and investigated by management to ensure adequately trained and
competent drivers are employed for sludge and septage
transportation. The collection vehicle used for the transport of
septage and domestic sludge shall have a leak-proof body and lock
to secure the sludge and septage; and must be able to withstand a
collision with another vehicle or any permanent structure.
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SECTION 6. Septage Treatment Facility and Disposal. All domestic septage must be
processed and treated before disposal in strict conformance with the DOH Operations Manual on
the Rules and Regulations governing Domestic Sludge and Septage and all other relevant
national and local laws. All septage facilities, including treatment and disposal facilities and
septage truck yards must maintain a hygienic and safe work environment. Facilities must be
properly designed, constructed and maintained. Facility owners shall be responsible for ensuring
that effluent from their treatment facilities meets applicable national and local water quality
standards, through regular monitoring.

The septage treatment facilities must conform to the following conditions:

1. It is mandatory that all applicants with valid Environmental Sanitary Clearances

(ESCs), Environmental Compliance Certificates (ECCs), Discharge and Sanitary
permits are authorized to operate domestic sludge and septage processing and
treatment facilities.

2. These operators shall also obtain all other necessary permits as required by existing
regulations.

3. The designated Pollution Control Officer (PCO) and owner of the STF shall be
responsible in ensuring the proper management and operation and shall be held
liable for facility or systems failure.

4. Only sludge and septage with corresponding manifest forms shall be accepted by the
facility.

5. The treatment facility shall comply with existing standards and regulations of
regulating agencies, including disposal of treated effluent to the receiving
environment.

6. Bio-solids generated by the Septage Treatment Facility shall be properly disposed of

or properly and safely used for agricultural activities as long as it conforms to all
relevant national and local laws on the matter.

7. The owner of the septage treatment facility shall be responsible for ensuring that
these bio-solids are properly managed.

8. The operations and maintenance plan shall also include provisions for reducing
system upset, including immediate actions to prevent the occurrence of foul smells
and release of partially treated effluent including noise pollution from the system.

9. That effluent must comply with the Existing Effluent Standards of the DENR.

Rule 6.1 Septage Management Facility Minimum Requirements

The treatment facility shall comply with existing standards and regulations
of regulating agencies, including disposal of treated effluent to the
receiving environment. As such, it should conform to the DOH Operations
Manual on the Rules and Regulations Governing Domestic Sludge and
Septage.

Rule 6.1.1. Hygienic Requirements and Record Keeping

Treatment facilities shall comply with hygienic and sanitation requirements

based on the following minimum requirements:
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6.1.1.1 Hand washing facility (1)

6.1.1.2 Toilet (1)
6.1.1.3 Bathroom (1)
6.1.1.4 Drinking water fountain/dispenser (1)
6.1.1.5 Utility sink (1)
6.1.1.6 Ventilation and lighting
6.1.1.7 Flooring and walls shall be made of impervious materials
6.1.1.8 All plumbing fixtures must be in accordance with the National
Plumbing Code (R.A. 1378)
6.1.1.9 Soap and any approved hand-drying device/material
6.1.1.10 There must be adequate and separate changing rooms for both
male and female users with individual lockers for clothes and personal
belongings.

Rule 6.1.2 Record Keeping and Reporting

6.1.2.1 The requirements for record keeping are applicable to all stages of
septage management: desludging, transportation, treatment and disposal.
These requirements include, but are not limited to, the following:
6.1.2.2 Properly filled out and complete manifest forms, which include
desludging schedule, volume of septage, and the service provider’s
information.
6.1.2.3 Inventory of tools and notes of deficiencies with the septic tank (e.g.
cracks, missing pipes, improper manholes, etc.).
6.1.2.4 The service provider shall submit these documents to the Office of
the City Environment and Natural Resources (OCENR) on a monthly basis
and retain copies for a minimum of five (5) years.

ARTICLE V - General Design and Construction Requirements of Septic Tanks

Section 7. General Requirements

7.1 Buildings or Structures Proposed for Construction

7.1.1 No building permit for residential, commercial, industrial and institutional

structures shall be approved unless the design of the Sanitary/Plumbing and septic
tank conforms to the specifications set herein and other pertinent regulations.
Whenever applicable by existing laws, commercial and industrial establishments,
such as, but not limited to hotels, malls, apartelles, food processing plants,
particularly those that are expected to discharge strong or large amount of
wastewater shall be required to construct treatment facilities or utilize appropriate
technologies to meet the applicable effluent standards.

7.1.2 Alternative wastewater treatment systems, except those that are operating
under the authority and supervision of MIWD, shall be duly approved and
endorsed by the CENRO.
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7.1.3 It shall be the duty of the owner, administrator or contractor to inform the
concerned agency that the newly constructed septic tank, sewage treatment
facility or alternative treatment system, with prior plan approval, is ready for
inspection. The new system shall not be covered or used until inspected and
approved by the City Engineer’s Office (CEO).

Rule 7.1 The City Engineer’s Office or relevant Building Official shall inspect
and/or monitor the construction of septic tank and/or treatment facilities to ensure
compliance with the issued septic permit.

7.2 Existing Buildings or Structures

7.2.1 Owners of existing septic tanks that are not accessible for desludging are
required to repair or upgrade their tank so it can be desludged. If repairs are not
possible, such owners are encouraged to build a new septic tank that will comply
with the provisions set herein.

7.2.2 The cost of repair and upgrading shall be borne by the owners.

7.2.3 Communal or shared septic tanks can be used alternatively whenever

feasible, particularly for existing clustered structures that are highly dense and
characterized by lack of or inadequate land space. The design and the manifest of
ownership and joint maintenance shall go through an approval process as
determined by the City Government through the CSMA.

7.2.4 Whenever applicable, commercial and industrial establishments, such as, but
not limited to hotels, malls, apartelles, food processing plants, particularly those
that are expected to discharge strong or large amount of wastewater shall be
required to construct treatment facilities or utilize appropriate technologies to
meet the applicable effluent standards.

Rule 7.2 Sanitary/Plumbing are required for proposed construction of new septic
tanks or the proposed remodeling or repair of old septic tanks.

Rule 7.3 Where the use of commercial properties has changed, building owners
are required to construct septic tank of higher capacity and to secure
Sanitary/Plumbing

Rule 7.4 The City Engineer’s Office or relevant Building Official issues a
Sanitary/Plumbing Permit when the septic tank complies with all design,
installation and structural requirements. Moreover, they shall also monitor the
compliance.

7.3 Communal Septic Tanks

7.3.1 For existing/old subdivisions and residential dwelling units where septic
tanks or other mode of treatment is absent or lacking, the residents shall be
required to build individual or shared septic tanks based on regulatory standards
set by the CSMA and other national laws.

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7.3.2 In the event the communal septic tanks are proposed, affected residents shall
organize themselves and agree to bear the cost of constructing, operating and
maintaining them. Moreover, the group shall obtain the approval of the Barangay
Council and Homeowners Association before the communal facilities are
constructed.

7.3.3 New subdivisions are required to include individual or shared septic tanks as
part of their building plan that will be submitted as per DOH AO. No. 2019-0043
for a cluster of households.

7.3.4 Payment for the operations, maintenance, and desludging of the communal
septic tanks shall be carried over to the residences connected to the septic tanks.

7.3.5 Whenever possible, the City through the barangay local government unit in
the area, shall construct Communal Toilets and/or Septic Tanks in areas where
there are informal settlers who cannot afford to build one. The maintenance of
aforementioned toilets and/or septic tanks which shall be administered by the said
barangay and borne by the users. The cost of construction shall be borne by the
City through its annual appropriation for the implementation of this Ordinance
and may, thereafter, be charged to the users. Payment hereof may either be in the
form of installment or through user fees.

7.3.6 Communal septic tank shall follow specifications provided by the National
Building Code, National Plumbing Code and other standards in conformity with
the DOH AO No. 2019-0043.

Rule 7.5 It shall be the responsibility of City Environment and Natural Resources
Office (CENRO) in coordination with the Iloilo City Urban Poor Affairs Office
(ICUPAO) to assess where the informal settlers abound and determine whether
communal septic tank is feasible in their context; prepare project proposals for the
inclusion in City’s annual budget.

SECTION 8. Specifications. Septic tanks shall be designed and constructed in compliance

with the mandate set forth by the National Building Code, National Plumbing Code and the Code
on Sanitation of the Philippines and DOH AO. No. 2019-0043 (National Standard on the Design,
Construction, Operation and Maintenance of Septic Tank Systems

Septic Tank should be designed and constructed following the criteria set forth below:

Rule 8.1 It shall be designed to produce an effluent consistent with approved

engineering and environmental standards.

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Rule 8.2 It shall be built of solid durable materials and shall be watertight.
Materials shall conform to applicable Philippine material standards. It shall not be
constructed under any building and not within twenty-five (25) meters from any
existing source of water supply.

Rule 8.3 It shall be divided into a minimum of two compartments.

Rule 8.4 Where more than one tank is used to accommodate the required liquid
volume in a given minimum retention time of 2 days, the tank should be conjoined.

Rule 8.5 Adequate venting shall be provided in each compartment with the use of
ventilating pipes not less than 50 mm in diameter. For buildings where plumbing
fixtures have appropriate “p” traps, venting should occur through the plumbing
stack in the building, not from the septic tank. For buildings where toilets and sinks
are not protected with “p” traps, traps should be installed, or vent directly from the
septic tank.

Rule 8.6 There shall be at least one maintenance hole for each compartment, with a
minimum side dimension of 500 mm. All maintenance holes shall extend through the
tank cover and shall extend to finished grade. Manhole covers shall be designed
with durable and fully coated or non-corrosive handles for easy lifting. Septic tank
access covers should be secured from unauthorized entry, either through safety
screws, locks or a tank lid that weighs 15 kg or more.

Rule 8.7 Outlet from the septic tank: The design, construction and location of
structures receiving effluent from septic tanks shall conform to the Revised
Plumbing Code of the Philippines. Effluent treatment is further required but will be
covered by a separate ordinance and other infrastructure projects.

Rule 8.8 For clustered structures or houses that are highly dense and characterized
by lack of or inadequate land space, there shall be designed a communal septic tank
consistent with approved engineering and environmental standards.

Article VI - The City Septage Management Authority

SECTION 9. Composition. The CSMA shall be created and will be composed of

representatives from City Environment and Natural Resources Office, City Health Office,
General Services Office, City Treasurer’s Office, City Legal Office, City Engineer’s Office,
Metro Iloilo Water District, Department of Environment of Natural Resources Office-
Environmental Management Bureau, Department of Health, Department of Public Works and
Highway, Academe, representative from Association of Brgy. Captains and a Non-Government
Organization (NGO) who shall be appointed by the City Chief Executive and from the NGO
member of the City Development Council.

Rule 9.1 The CSMA shall be composed and organized as follows:

Chairman ……….…………………. City Mayor or his duly authorized

representative
Executive Director ………………... Head of CENRO
Secretariat ………………………… CENRO
Members:
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City Environment and Natural Resources Office

City Health Office
General Services Office
City Treasurer’s Office
City Legal Office
City Engineer’s Office
Metro Iloilo Water-Iloilo Water District
DENR-Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB)
Department of Health (DOH)
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)
Representative from the Academe
Representative from Association of Brgy. Captains
Non-Government Organization (NGO)
- shall be appointed by the CityChief Executive

Non-Government Organization (NGO) member

of the City Development Council.

SECTION 10. Function. The CSMA shall:

1. Formulate and establish guidelines in the accreditation of all septage haulers, pumper
including septage treatment facility operators within Iloilo City except those that are
operating under the authority and supervision of the MIWD.

2. Formulate and establish reasonable rates and payment scheme for desludging, hauling
and treatment services for which public hearings or consultations must be conducted,
as a requirement.

3. Act as policy making body, clearing house of complains, regulating body, providing
support to existing local executive departments in approving program development
authority or service providers. It will endeavor to ensure that there will be no
duplication of functions or regulations within existing government agencies or
instrumentality.

4. Cause the conduct of the survey immediately after the effectivity of this Ordinance, of
all properties and premises to gather data for the effective implementation of this
Ordinance, such as presence of compliant septic tank in every household or
establishment, location of septic tanks as well as water sources such as wells or
jetmatic pumps within the barangays, in other such relevant data, and likewise to
ensure such data is updated regularly. Prior notice will be given to the property
owners to facilitate inspection and provide assistance to the CSMA representatives.

5. Recommend serving of notices of non-conformance or non-compliance to the

provision of this Ordinance to the owners/administrators, or occupants, and set
reasonable periods within which to comply, which in any case should not exceed one
year.

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6. Recommend issuance of a certificate of compliance to the property owners who are

deemed to have met the minimum requirements for septic tanks. For new
developments, the occupancy permits issued by Building Official shall serve as
Certificate of Compliance until the CSMA conducts another round of inspection.

7. Plan and implement an information and education program on wastewater

management and the city’s septage management system.

8. The function of the CSMA shall not affect or hold prejudice to any operations of the
mandate and functions of the National Government agencies and water utilities.

9. Coordinate with all water sanitation regulatory bodies in the city including the Iloilo
River Development Council (IRDC), the Iloilo Watershed Management Board, the
Iloilo Water Quality Management Area Board and other River basin organizations in
the Province of Iloilo.

Rule 10.1. Administration and Enforcement. The Septage Management System in

Iloilo City shall be administered by the City Septage Management Authority (with
members listed herein) and enforced by the City ENRO. Other persons may be
invited to provide technical advice to the CSMA.

Rule 10.1.1 As administrator of the Septage Management System shall accredit

licensed septage service providers including but not limited to desludging facility,
and treatment plant operation within the City of Iloilo.

Rule 10.2 Accreditation of Desludgers and Treatment Plant Operators

To become accredited, service providers are required to obtain the

permits/certifications listed below and submit them to CENRO. Only accredited
service providers may participate in the bidding process following the
Implementing Rules and Regulations of bidding pursuant to RA 9184. These
accreditation requirements are applicable to all service providers handling
septage desludging, transportation, treatment and disposal.

10.2.1 Environmental Sanitation Clearance (ESC) issued by the Center for

Health and Development, DOH Region VI.

10.2.2 Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC); Wastewater

Discharge Permit (WDP); certificate of accreditation of a full-time
Pollution Control Officer (PCO) issued by the Environmental
Management Bureau, DENR Region VI. If applicable, Domestic
wastewater treatment facility with a system capacity of equal or
less than 30 cu. meters is not covered by PD 1586.

10.2.3 Sanitary Permit issued by the City Health Office

.
10.2.4 Business Permit issued by the Office of the City Mayor

10.2.5 Others that may be required by CENRO or other relevant

government agencies.

10.2.6 The CSMA shall review applications for accreditation of

service providers and conduct site inspections; and approve the list

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of accredited applicants.

Section 11. Responsibility of Barangay Officials. All barangays in the City of Iloilo headed by
Punong Barangays or Barangay Captains in coordination with CSMA, CENRO and City Health
Office Sanitary Division, are required to conduct an inventory or mapping of households who do
not have septic tanks and likewise, households with existing septic tanks that do not comply with
the standards, including inventories on wells, jetmatic pump and other such data which are
needed in the effective and efficient implementation of this Ordinance.

Section 12. Monitoring and Evaluation. Close monitoring of all activities in the treatment
facilities shall be conducted by the CENRO in conjunction with the operation and maintenance
plan that will be contained in the operational guidelines of each treatment facility. Adverse
effects of the project shall be mitigated and considered top priority in the operational and
maintenance of the facilities. Any environmental change/hazard attribute to the project
implementation shall be immediately addressed.

Rule 12.1 In case of non-compliance, CENRO will recommend to the Mayor and
to the CSMA that the facility be closed from accepting septage from any source or
other appropriate action be taken.

Section 13. Desludging. Septic tanks require desludging when half-full or every three to five
years whichever comes first

13.1 The CENRO shall keep a record of all owners/administrators of buildings and
structures who have desludged their septic tanks, those that are inaccessible, those that do not
have septic tanks, and those that do not have water-sealed toilets, and other data that may be
deemed necessary by the CSMA. CENRO is encouraged to maintain a high-level data
management and archiving system for realistic and updated information.

13.2 All service providers operating in the City shall adhere to the rules and regulations set
forth by the Department of Health and other government agencies in handling, transporting,
treatment and disposal of septage.

13.3 All service providers (all that have operations in Iloilo City) shall develop a
desludging program or scheduling, contract allotment and contract oversight given the required
frequency, density of locality and distance to the treatment plant. A barangay coordinator shall
be provided as part of the operations of the service provider.

13.4 The CSMA shall strictly implement an accreditation system and operational
guidelines for private desludging service providers that would like to operate in the city,
including but not limited to securing an Environmental Sanitation Clearance (ESC) and
Environmental Compliance Clearance which is discussed more thoroughly in the rules and
regulations set forth by the DOH and DENR-EMB in handling, transporting, treatment and
disposal of septage.

13.5 Manifest Forms shall be presented and duly signed by the resident or commercial
establishment representative (and an official of the barangays if needed). These shall be
presented to the CSMA and CENRO for validation and duplicates be provided to concerned
parties for record keeping. Manifest forms shall be completed in accordance with DOH
requirements.

13.6 Licensed/ Accredited septage haulers/ pumpers and desludging companies shall
maintain, at a minimum, the following:

1. Copies of the Manifest Forms

2. A log book/database listing daily desludging locations and volumes and spillage
incidence
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3. Inventories of tools, equipment, vehicles, and staff

13.7 Companies shall retain their records for a minimum of five (5) years.

Rule 13.1 Desludging. For purposes of implementing the rules and regulation of
this ordinance, all septic tanks in the city shall be desludged when half-full or
every three to five years whichever comes first consistent with Rule No. 5.1.1.

Section 14. Accidental Spillage. Spillage and leakage must be immediately mitigated to avoid
environmental and health problems. It is the responsibility of the collection operator to check the
safety equipment daily before proceeding to a collection site. Any safety equipment deficiencies
shall be reported to the supervisor. Further, after the desludging operation, the operator must
clean and disinfect any minor spills with bleach solution or any other disinfection process.

All spills larger than one (1) liter shall require the desludging company to:

1. Take immediate action to contain sludge/septage, minimize the environmental

impact, and begin clean-up procedures. To the extent possible, the operator shall
contain the spill using a containment trench and disinfect using bleach solution or
lime in the area. Then the operator shall collect the solids (using rakes, brooms,
and/or shovels) and dispose of as solid waste.

2. Notify the CENRO within twelve (12) hours, using the proper Accidental Spillage
Notification Form.

3. Have all spill clean-up operations certified by a qualified staff member from the
CENRO as sufficiently remediated upon completion of clean-up procedure.

4. If a desludging company fails to completely perform clean-up operations, the

CENRO shall perform the clean-up and issue a notice of violation to the erring
company and shall charge the company for all additional expenses associated with the
clean-up.

Section 15. Funding. The City Government shall allocate necessary funds or access all forms of
financing or means to pay to support capital expenditures and operating and maintenance
expenses of the septage management program.

Rule 15.1 In the event the city deems it necessary to operate its own desludging
services and/or septage treatment plant the city shall access all forms of financing
or means to pay to support capital expenditures and operating and maintenance
expenses.

Section 16. Desludging fee. Whenever the city finds it necessary and viable to collect
desludging fee, a fee shall be collected from the residents, government offices and agencies,
commercial building owners, etc. Amount of which shall be specified by a supplemental IRR.

Rule 16.1 In the event that the city deems it necessary to implement a support
scheme that will benefit the low-income group or to make desludging affordable,
the city may opt to collect annual septage fees or other form of fees that are
applicable and viable.

Section 17. Violations and Penalties

17.1. Issuance of Non-Conformity. The CSMA shall issue a notice of non-conformity to

property owners, administrators or occupants who do not have a septic tank, whose septic tank is
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not designed properly, or is inaccessible for desludging unless they have an alternative system
approved by the CENRO.

17.2. Penalties. The owner of a non-complying establishment or household, who fails to

comply with the provisions of this Ordinance within the period given by the CSMA for
compliance, which in any case shall not exceed one (1) year from notice shall, after proper court
proceedings, the subject of penalties are as follows:

1. For the first time offenders a fine of P5,000.00

2. For subsequent violations, a fine of P5,000.00 and imprisonment of not less than 1
day or more than 1 year, at the discretion of the court plus the cancellation of
business permits for commercial establishments and cancellation of their
accreditations

17.3 Violation of Section 14 of this ordinance shall, after due proceedings, subject the
owner, or the president of the corporation, liable for the penalties set forth under Section 17.2 of
this ordinance.

17.4 The penalties to be imposed on this ordinance shall only be applied after the CSMA
submits an operation/desludging plan to be implemented after 3 years.

The provision of this ordinance shall be implemented in accordance with its rationale to
protect the environment especially the ground water sources of the city with due regard to the
existing circumstances that might temporarily necessitate the delay of its full implementation.

ARTICLE VII - Final Provision

Section 18. Provisions of Existing Laws and Ordinances. Provisions of existing laws and
ordinances in so far as they are relevant and applicable shall supplement the provisions of this
ordinance for the purpose of establishing a feasible system that will work for the benefit of the
City of Iloilo.

Section 19. Separability Clause. If for any reason any portion or provision of this ordinance is
declared unconstitutional or invalid, the other sections or provisions thereof which are not shall
continue to be in full force and effect.

Section 20. Relevance with Environmental Code. This ordinance shall form as an integral part
of the Environment Code of the City of Iloilo.

Section 21. Implementing Rules and Regulations. Within 60 days after the approval of this
ordinance the CSMA shall convene and prepare the Implementing Rules and Regulations of this
ordinance.

Section 22. Effectivity. This ordinance shall take effect upon its approval.

These IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS of ORDINANCE NO. 2017-

127 are hereby ADOPTED and APPROVED by the City Septage Management Authority of the
City Government of Iloilo, this 20th day of June 2022 in the City of Iloilo. This IRR becomes
effective upon adoption and approval of the Iloilo City Council.

Hon. Jerry P. Trenas

City Mayor and Chairman

Head, City Environment and Natural Resources Office

Executive Director
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Septage Management Program in Iloilo City

Chairman, Committee on Health & Sanitation

Sangguniang Panlungsod

Chairman, Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Sangguniang Panlungsod

Head, City Health Office

Head, General Services Office

Head, City Treasurers Office

Head, City Legal Office

Head, City Engineer’s Office

Head. City Planning Office

Regional Director, DENR-EMB – 6

Regional Director, DPWH – 6

President, Metro Iloilo Water - Iloilo Water District

President, Liga ng mga Barangay

Representative from Academe

Two (2) Non-Government Organization (NGO)

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