On September 8-10, 2011, USAID facilitated a 3-day training and consultative workshop in Calauan, Philippines to replicate the application of natural wastewater systems around Laguna Lake. The expansion plans originated from the practical innovations developed by the Calamba Water District (CWD) and the municipalities of Angono and Lucban with technical support by the Taiwan Chia Nan University (CNU) through a water operator partnership (WOP) facilitated by ECO-Asia under the WaterLinks network. With CNU’s assistance, CWD and its two peers around Laguna Lake have developed detailed designs for natural systems to treat domestic wastewater and plan construction in the next six months. Participants identified and presented key ideas on how Laguna Lake Development Agency (LLDA) and other partners can pursue replication of the WOP outcomes through the preparation of guidelines on natural systems and integration of system development into ongoing and future programs funded by the World Bank. CNU also plans to seek additional program funds from Taiwan for continuing the existing WOP and to work with LLDA to replicate system development in up to five additional demonstration sites in Laguna Lake area to benefit more than 100,000 people.

