The 1st International Symposium on Low-cost Technology Options for Water Supply and Sanitation held in Bohol, Philippines last October 12 to 14 has brought together various stakeholders from the LGUs (Local Government Units) and national government agencies, international and local experts, NGOs, business sector, the academe and civil society groups. It was jointly organized by the DILG - German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) „Water, Sanitation and Solid Waste” and the World Bank – “Water and Sanitation Program – East Asia and the Pacific” .

One of the main issues that were presented was the Ecological Sanitation (ecosan), its philosophy and technology options in which a workshop group was formed to draft an initial action plan for organizing activities in line with continuing knowledge sharing, ecosan pilot projects, and the formation of a working group (Philippine Ecosan Network, PEN).

The “Philippine Ecosan Network” met on November 11 in the House of Representatives in Metro Manila . As a result of this meeting the objectives and activities of the network were defined. They serve as a first draft for a one (1) year plan of action for ecosan in the Philippines. In addition a possible ecosan input for incorporation into the “Implementing Rules and Regulations” of the “Clean Water Act”, which is now being drafted by Congress, was also elaborated.

If you are interested in the Philippine Ecosan Network, you are very welcome to become a member of the yahoo group.