Hotels and other accommodation establishments in Baguio City have been instructed to upgrade their wastewater facilities or construct their own treatment plants to help address worsening water pollution in the city.
Local officials issued the directive as part of broader efforts to improve sanitation and protect nearby rivers and waterways from untreated wastewater coming from tourism-related businesses. Authorities said hotels must ensure their wastewater is properly treated before it is discharged into the environment.
City officials noted that the growing number of visitors to the country’s summer capital has placed pressure on existing sewage systems. Many older establishments rely on outdated infrastructure that may no longer be sufficient to handle the increasing volume of wastewater generated by tourism activity.
To address the issue, hotels have been advised to upgrade existing wastewater treatment facilities or install their own treatment plants to comply with environmental standards. These systems are designed to remove contaminants from sewage before the water is released into rivers or drainage systems.
The move is also part of the local government’s efforts to protect the Balili River, which has long been affected by pollution from untreated sewage and urban runoff. Environmental authorities have repeatedly called for improvements to wastewater management to prevent further environmental degradation.
Officials emphasized that proper wastewater treatment is critical for maintaining public health, protecting water sources, and preserving Baguio’s reputation as a major tourist destination.
The directive reflects the city government’s broader push to modernize sanitation infrastructure and ensure that tourism growth does not come at the expense of the environment.