Life Below Water

Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development

Ateneo de Manila University's SDG 14 initiatives are significantly influenced by the Coastal Cities at Risk (CCARPH) project. The project collaborates with various local communities, governments, and stakeholders to engage with residents and stakeholders living in coastal cities. The project seeks to understand their needs and involves them in the planning and implementation of resilience-building activities.

News and Features

18 Mar 2026

Mangroves as shields of history and resilience: Insights from Dr Emma Porio

Mangrove forests have long shaped both the history and survival of coastal communities in the Philippines. According to Dr Emma Porio, Professor Emeritus (Sociology -...

Simon Sarmiento, JHS Research & Innovation Individual 1st placer

12 Mar 2026

BluBLOC dominates Minecraft Nationals with record 9 trophies; Sarmiento crowned Nat'l JHS Minecraft Champ

Composed of Ateneo de Manila Junior High School (AJHS) and Senior High School (ASHS) players, the Ateneo BluBLOC Minecraft and Lego varsity made history at...

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Highlights

Ateneo de Manila University’s Commitment to Water Discharge Guidelines and Standards

The Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) grants Ateneo de Manila University two Discharge Permits after the University complies with various environmental regulations.

Discharge Permit DP(N)-25b-2023-05611 (Issued September 4, 2023)

Under this permit, Ateneo is authorized to discharge wastewater with a total annual Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) not exceeding 174 kilograms. Effluent characteristics, such as BOD, ammonia, fecal coliform, phosphate, nitrate, oil, grease, and surfactants, are subject to the limits set by the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) regulations, in compliance with Republic Act (RA) 4850, Presidential Decree No. 813, Executive Order No. 927, and the Clean Water Act (RA 9275).

Discharge Permit DP(R)-25b-2024-06101 (Issued September 5, 2024)

In addition to its earlier permit, Ateneo received a new discharge permit for 2024, allowing the wastewater discharge at an increased total annual BOD limit of 214 kilograms. Like the 2023 permit, Ateneo must ensure its wastewater quality remains within LLDA’s regulatory standards.

Key Monitoring and Compliance Requirements:

Submit notarized quarterly self-monitoring reports (SMR) to the LLDA on specified dates and manifests from DOH-registered service providers for sludge and septage disposal.
Install effluent sampling stations to monitor wastewater quality before discharge into receiving bodies of water.
Appoint a Pollution Control Officer (PCO) to undergo regular training and secure LLDA accreditation.
Maintain comprehensive records of wastewater treatment operations to be made available during LLDA inspections.
Display discharge permits in visible campus areas.
Renew before expiration to avoid cancellation.

Failure to comply with the permit’s conditions or submit required reports could result in penalties, a revocation of the permit or legal actions as provided by the Philippine Clean Water Act (RA 9275) and RA 4850.

Through these processes, the University upholds its responsibility for environmental protection, its commitment to cleaner water systems, and its support of the Laguna de Bay ecosystem. These actions align with the university’s broader sustainable development goals, including compliance with the Clean Air Act (RA 8749).

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