The Philippine EcoSan Network (PEN) and the Center for Advanced Philippine Studies (CAPS) recently concluded the first Philippine Symposium on Sustainable Sanitation. Coinciding with the opening of the Symposium is the Global Handwashing Day Celebration. Initiated in 2008 by the Global Public-Private Partnership for Handwashing with Soap, Global Handwashing Day is endorsed by a wide array of governments, international institutions, civil society organizations, NGOs, private companies and individuals around the globe. The event was held at the Grand Ballroom of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Makati City from 15-16 October 2009.

The Symposium showcased innovative and forward-looking programs, projects, initiatives and good practices addressing the myriad problems of sanitation in the country.  The event made way for the gathering of decision-makers, advocates, academics, professionals and practitioners in sanitation from all over the country to exchange views on how sustainable sanitation could be widely promoted in the Philippines.  From across the Philippines and graced by dignitaries of selected organization’s in the forefront of promoting sustainable sanitation, over 200 participants including more than a 100 local executives, representatives from national and line agencies and leading authorities on sanitation came together for the special event.

Highlighting the theme of "Sustainable Sanitation Capacity Development for Decision-Makers" the Symposium presented relevant topics on sanitation program and policies, good governance, technology options, cost recovery and available financing options, and a host of relevant topics and interest.

Click here to view or download presentation slides