FPIP Receives DENR Clearance, 20 MLD Water Rights on San Juan River, Bares Water Safety Plan
With its commitment to sustainable growth and environmental stewardship, First Philippine Industrial Park (FPIP) through its water arm, FPIP Utilities Inc. (FUI), has recently been granted an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) for its state-of-the-art river treatment facility.
Issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB), the ECC certifies that FPIP’s river treatment facility meets their environmental regulations.
In addition to receiving the ECC, FUI has also been given the water rights to treat up to 20 MLD (million liters per day) of water from the San Juan River. The San Juan River is one of the 21 major tributaries of Laguna de Bay, and its watershed areas cover the municipalities of Tanauan and Sto. Tomas, Batangas, where FPIP is located.
“We are thrilled to receive these environmental milestones,” said FUI Head for Water Resource Management Group Engr. Jeremaine Esguerra. “Through these achievements, we can ensure a sustainable and reliable water supply for the current and future locators and other customers.”
“These are also a testament to our dedication to environmental stewardship. But more importantly, these highlight FPIP’s unwavering commitment to regeneration and decarbonization,” she added.
FUI is a wholly-owned subsidiary of FPIP that oversees the park’s water services, including industrial water, wastewater treatment and water laboratory. Its team is composed of professionals that work together with stakeholders, including local communities and government agencies, to ensure locators and other customers have enough supply of industrial water to sustain their operations, as well as secure high standards of water treatment and environmental protection.
To solidify FPIP’s position as a leader in sustainable water management, FUI also bared its water sustainability and safety plans, which aim to ensure adequate water supply in the park and delivery of top-quality water. It also intends to comply with the Guidelines for the Review and Approval of the Water Safety Plans of Drinking Water Service Providers, also known as Administrative Order 2017-06, that was issued by the Department of Health (DOH).
With Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) as one of DOH’s deputized agencies, economic zone developers with their own water system are enjoined to submit a water safety plan detailing the water supply system, potential hazardous events and risks, as well as control measures. They are also directed to shift from providing industrial water to delivering safe drinking water.
FPIP through FUI is ramping up its operations, implementing innovative strategies and embracing green engineering and technology. These include implementation of aquifer recharge, zero liquid discharge, and source diversification like river water treatment, new water exploration, and rainwater collection.
“We recognize the importance of water as a precious resource. That is why we are committed to investing in state-of-the-art technology and implementing sustainable practices,” Esguerra said.
