Guide to Constructed Wetlands: A Philippine Perspective

Part of the Philippines’ climate action plan is the utilisation of nature-based solutions (NbS) for water management. Constructed wetland (CWs) is an alternative NbS wastewater treatment system that utilises plants and substrates to treat wastewater. Its effectiveness has been proven in other countries in treating various types of wastewater. However, its adaptation in the Philippines is limited due primarily to the lack of information about CWs guiding the users in its implementation. Thus, this chapter provides a framework for establishing, operating, and maintaining CWs systems treating domestic wastewater in the Philippines. The framework is based on the existing process for establishing and operating wastewater treatment facilities in the Philippines, incorporating the best practices from Bayawan City, where the most successful CWs system in the country is being demonstrated. Nonetheless, while the socio-economic aspect was discussed in detail in the previous chapters, this chapter focuses on the technical aspects. The framework was validated in consultation with government agencies and other relevant organisations through a roundtable discussion, where the final framework was crafted and developed.