Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) is committed to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: Clean Water and Sanitation through ensuring deepened knowledge production and development through research, rigorous water consumption and infrastructure monitoring, and multi-level community engagement. The university tracks campus water consumption—achieving an 8.86% reduction in 2025—while advancing centralized sewage treatment, hazardous spill protocols, and free drinking water access. Beyond campus, PUP models sustainable river water extraction, leads coastal cleanups, and collaborates with local, national, and global partners to promote long-term water security and environmental stewardship.
Research addressing SDG 6 focuses on water security, water conservation, water quality, wastewater treatment, pollution prevention, and sustainable water management. Studies apply machine learning to rainwater harvesting, promote groundwater recharge through sustainable drainage, and monitor freshwater pollution to protect aquatic ecosystems.
Research on wastewater treatment and responsible water use further supports pollution reduction and the sustainable management of water resources. Collectively, these studies contribute to clean water access, water conservation, pollution control, and resilient water systems, advancing SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.
Ensuring clean water and sustainable water management requires effective wastewater treatment, pollution prevention, water quality protection, and responsible water use. Research on emerging pollutants examines advancements in wastewater treatment technologies to prevent water contamination, while research on concrete mixing promotes the responsible use and protection of water resources in construction.
Collectively, these studies support water quality improvement, pollution control, wastewater management, sustainable water use, and protection of water resources, contributing to SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.
Protecting water quality and freshwater ecosystems is essential to achieving SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. Research on Laguna Lake examines freshwater pollution, water quality, predictive modeling, and aquatic ecosystem protection, using evidence to better understand and address threats to water resources. The study contributes to pollution prevention, sustainable water management, freshwater resource protection, and water quality monitoring, supporting more resilient aquatic ecosystems and progress toward SDG 6.
Ensuring water security and sustainable water management is central to achieving SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. Research on smart rainwater harvesting applies machine learning to improve reliable water access and conservation, while research on pervious concrete supports sustainable urban drainage, groundwater recharge, and pollution reduction.
Together, these studies promote water conservation, sustainable water infrastructure, resource efficiency, pollution prevention, groundwater management, and resilient water systems, contributing to progress toward SDG 6.
View all PUP Scopus Publication: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1IlfCKA2HmYBtj1VdI0Xa5Onbr3PBXHSA/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=111253540786016308703&rtpof=true&sd=true
The Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) monitors its water consumption as part of its efforts to promote water conservation and efficient use of water resources across its campus operations. Water consumption data are collected and consolidated to provide an overall record of the University's water use. The consolidated data are used to monitor monthly consumption, identify periods of higher or lower water use, and support appropriate water-saving measures. Through regular monitoring, PUP strengthens its efforts toward responsible water use, water conservation, water-use efficiency, and sustainable water resource management.
In 2024, PUP recorded a total water consumption of 238,425 m³, with an average monthly consumption of approximately 19,869 m³. The highest monthly consumption was recorded in September at 23,857 m³, while the lowest was in November at 16,750 m³. The data show variations in water use throughout the year, with relatively higher consumption observed during the third quarter. The quarterly consolidated consumption was 57,362 m³ for January–March, 56,753 m³ for April–June, 64,210 m³ for July–September, and 60,100 m³ for October–December. These records provide a basis for monitoring water-use patterns and identifying opportunities to strengthen water conservation, water-use efficiency, and sustainable water resource management.
In 2025, PUP recorded a total water consumption of 217,297 m³, with an average monthly consumption of approximately 18,108 m³. The highest monthly consumption was recorded in November at 20,401 m³, while the lowest was in May at 16,141 m³. The data show fluctuations in water use throughout the year, with consumption generally remaining within the range of 16,141–20,652 m³ per month. The quarterly consolidated consumption was 55,228 m³ for January–March, 52,860 m³ for April–June, 52,261 m³ for July–September, and 56,948 m³ for October–December. Compared with the 2024 total of 238,425 m³, the 2025 consumption decreased by approximately 21,128 m³ or 8.9%, indicating a reduction in overall campus water use and supporting continued efforts toward water conservation and water-use efficiency.
For January to June 2026, PUP recorded a total water consumption of 97,097 m³, with an average monthly consumption of approximately 16,183 m³. The highest monthly consumption was recorded in February at 19,181 m³, while the lowest was recorded in January at 13,521 m³. From March to June, monthly consumption ranged from 14,494 m³ to 16,983 m³. The available data cover only the first six months of 2026, so a full-year comparison is not yet possible. The consolidated records provide a basis for monitoring water-use patterns and identifying opportunities to strengthen water conservation, water-use efficiency, and sustainable water resource management.
The Multi-Year Consumption Summary table demonstrates a consistent downward trend in campus water usage from 2024 through mid-2026. After establishing an initial benchmark of 238,425 m³ in 2024 (monthly average:19,869 m³), annual consumption fell by 8.86% to 217,297 m³ in the 2025 baseline year (monthly average:18,108 m³). This progress continued into the first half of 2026, with total water usage reaching 97,097 m³ and driving the monthly average down further to 16,183 m³ - a 10.17% drop compared to the same six-month period in 2025. Overall, these figures highlight the ongoing effectiveness of the university's water conservation and efficiency measures.
The campus infrastructure is equipped with concrete septic and there are about 32 known existing septic tanks strategically located around the University, and these septic tanks are connected to the nearby drainage. There are existing septic tanks for each building that catches sanitary wastes and connected to the nearest public sanitary lines provided by the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) and there area existing drainage around the campus that catches storm water and connected to the public drainage in nearby street.
Utilizing this university's water treatment infrastructure, it is observed that the annual water consumption of the university is at diminishing rate (refer to Multi-Year Consumption Summary & Baseline Performance Table) , reflecting enhanced resource efficiency, stricter conservation policies, and optimized campus utility management across all institutional facilities.
Furthermore, the University has an approved the layout and location of its proposed Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) in 2025 as part of the University's efforts to improve wastewater management. The approved location was selected to efficiently collect and treat wastewater generated from campus facilities while meeting engineering and environmental requirements.
The proposed Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) Main Campus aims to improve the proper collection, treatment, and management of wastewater generated within the campus. The project will help reduce water pollution, improve water quality, and ensure that wastewater is properly treated before discharge.
The STP will also promote water conservation, water-use efficiency, recycling, and safe reuse of treated wastewater where feasible and permitted. Through proper treatment, monitoring, and sustainable wastewater management, the project will help protect water resources and support a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable campus environment.
The University through its "PUP Guidelines on Chemical and Hazardous Wastes Management and Disposal" systematically regulate the prevention of polluted water entering the water system, including pollution caused by accidents and incidents at the university.
Grounded in national environmental standards like Republic Act 6969 and DENR regulations, these tailored guidelines establish strict protocols to intercept hazardous substances at the source and prevent accidental discharge or chemical spills from contaminating campus water systems
At the infrastructure level, the campus currently utilizes an interim network of 32 active septic tanks for primary waste interception, with key facilities connected directly to Manila Water’s public sewerage grid. To elevate these pollution controls, PUP approved the development of a centralized Sewage Treatment Plant (STP). This project introduces a phased plan to decommission existing septic units and re-route all wastewater streams into a unified processing facility. The centralized STP employs multi-stage treatment processes to eliminate organic matter, suspended solids, and chemical contaminants before effluent release. By establishing real-time water quality monitoring, the system guarantees that all discharged water complies with national environmental standards, effectively mitigating pollution risks across campus operations.
The Polytechnic University of the Philippines ensures equitable access to free, safe drinking water for all students, faculty, staff, and campus visitors. Spearheaded by the Special Programs and Projects Office (SPPO), PUP expanded its campus water infrastructure with the opening of the PUP Water Station at the Food Processing and Testing Center. Equipped with multi-stage filtration and purification systems, this centralized facility provides free drinking water while promoting environmental sustainability by reducing reliance on single-use plastic bottles.
Complementing the centralized water station, PUP maintains free water dispensers and refilling containers across high-traffic campus zones, academic buildings, and food services. This distributed network provides a practical, health-focused service that supports student well-being—particularly for those on tight budgets—while embedding sustainable, plastic-free practices into daily university life.
The university applies rigorous building standards and architectural designs specifically aimed at minimizing water use and maximizing resource conservation across its infrastructure. As evidenced by the official building and plumbing plans for the Academic and Office Building at the Mabini Campus, the university integrates sustainable water management features into its construction standards, including centralized cistern systems (30,000-liter capacity), dedicated water storage configurations, and efficient sanitary-plumbing layouts designed to regulate, store, and optimize water consumption across all institutional facilities.
Source: PUP Physical Planning and Development Office
These practices strictly adhere to key Philippine regulatory standards, namely the National Building Code of the Philippines (Presidential Decree No. 1096) which governs structural planning and sanitation requirements, the Revised National Plumbing Code of the Philippines which mandates safe water supply distribution and containment architectures such as cisterns, and the Philippine Green Building Code which prescribes resource management efficiency criteria to minimize water consumption across campus facilities.
The University maintains an institutional and strategic commitment towards minimum water usage and conservation, extending to ecological stewardship with its intentional forestation settings amidst the high-urban density landscape of its location-Manila.
As the campus is home to forestation, the As the campus is home to forestation, the total water absorption area at the main campus includes all porous and unsealed surfaces that allows the rainwater to infiltrate the ground naturally, encompassing a total water absorption area and total area of 10.71 hectares (107,100 sqm) as mapped out in the campus site and location blueprints.
Key absorption and green hubs supporting this layout include the PUP Lagoon, which serves as the university's primary ecological basin facilitating natural drainage and local biodiversity; the PUP Catwalk and surrounding pathways featuring unpaved and permeable fringes that serve as zones for groundwater recharge; and the Linear Park, where the unpaved portion of the riverside park provides additional zones for groundwater recharge and acts as a vital riparian buffer. Furthermore, the forestation and unsealed surfaces protect soil quality and provide a habitat for local flora and fauna, while these natural water absorption areas are integral to the PUP SDG Blueprint by offsetting the environmental impact of campus infrastructure through nature-based solutions.
Complementing these natural land-use and blueprint configurations, the university advances by integrating water-conscious building standards into its infrastructure planning and development through the Physical Planning and Development Office (PPDO). Key infrastructural initiatives include the installation of rainwater collection systems across multiple buildings such as the Laboratory High School and the Nutrition and Food Science Building.
Blueprint of PUP Laboratory HIgh School Groundfloor, showing the installation of Catch Basin, Source: PUP Physical Planning and Development Office
To complete this holistic approach, the university strengthens its commitment to SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation by promoting water-conscious planting guided by the General Services Office (GSO) and the campus plant reference “Munting Luntian” by Dr. Armin Coronado and team, identifying and maintaining plant species across the PUP Main Campus that thrive with efficient watering to support responsible water use while enriching campus biodiversity. This planting initiative is further supported through partnerships with the PUP Department of Biology, whose publication Halawin highlights campus plant diversity and herbarium efforts, reinforcing science-based and sustainable greening practices across the grounds.
The University institutionalize its commitment towards water reuse maximization that addresses the tracking and measurement of water reuse across its facilities and operational framework through OVPA Office Memorandum No.1 s.2019: Water Conservation, and OVPA Office Memorandum No.5 s.2024: Implementation of Water Conservation Program. These memorandums mandate rigorous water conservation and individual office water metering, evaluating water usage and recycling volumes Key evidences of these policies' action and measurement framework includes the operation of the university's swimming pool and rainwater catcher tanks and structural collection points at the PUP Lagoon.
The university swimming pool operates with at least four water treatment facilities dedicated to cleaning, filtering, and reusing pool water. These systems ensure that water is properly treated and recirculated, minimizing the need for frequent refilling from the main water supply. Through this process, the university effectively reduces water waste and promotes sustainable water management practices within campus operations
PUP lagoon is maintained on campus to serve as a rainwater catcher. It helps collect and store rainwater, preventing flooding and reducing surface runoff during heavy rains. It also use its water in watering plants.
Rainwater catcher tanks are also installed to store additional water, which is reused for watering plants, cleaning, and other maintenance activities.
These efforts support sustainable water management and care for the environment
The University provides educational opportunities for local communities to learn about good water management through its collaborative research and off-campus conservation initiatives. Led by the IPMO–Center for Environmental Technologies & Compliance (IPMO-CETC), PUP developed a technical proposal for the Extraction and Filtration of Pasig River Water for campus lawn watering, detailing permit requirements under the Water Code and a complete treatment process using the NICER Envitecs filtration system. This initiative reflects the university’s efforts not only to reduce reliance on potable water but also to model sustainable water sourcing solutions that can be adopted by surrounding communities. Complementing this, PUP students and faculty participate in off-campus water conservation activities—such as Sta. Mesa community marches, bike advocacy events, and coastal clean-up drives—that extend environmental stewardship beyond campus boundaries.
The Polytechnic University of the Philippines extends its commitment to water stewardship beyond campus boundaries through active community outreach, practical conservation models, and environmental cleanup drives. Grounded in applied learning and institutional research, PUP promotes sustainable off-campus practices—such as rainwater catchment models—while engaging students and faculty in direct community action.
Through community marches and bike awareness campaigns across Sta. Mesa, PUP mobilizes local residents to adopt responsible water usage and environmental conservation practices. Complementing these local advocacy drives, student groups and National Service Training Program–Civic Welfare Training Service (NSTP-CWTS) classes regularly lead coastal cleanup initiatives. A key example is the two-day cleanup drive at the Las Piñas–Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP), where multi-disciplinary student cohorts actively restored protected wetland ecosystems, directly safeguarding regional water quality and coastal biodiversity.
PUP students march at the community within Sta. Mesa and bike campaign for environmental conservation, which include water conservation.
Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP)’s regularly join and/or organize the coastal clean up drives.
Lingap Komunidad- Bayanihan Para sa Kalikasan: A Coastal Cleanup Drive 2026
Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) established a water extraction and filtration system utilizing water from the Pasig River to address in watering for lawn on campus. This project was built to reduce the university’s reliance on commercially supplied water and to provide an alternative water source for maintaining campus lawns and green spaces.
River water undergoes several treatment stages, including grit and sand removal, chemical disinfection, coagulation, lime softening, settling, and filtration. Advanced processes such as reverse osmosis and electro-deionization further purify the water, making it safe for non-potable use. Through this initiative, PUP efficiently reuses river water and demonstrates its commitment to environmental sustainability.
The Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) actively cooperates with local, regional, national, and global entities to safeguard water security, maintain water quality, and promote sustainable aquatic ecosystem management. Recognizing that water security requires multi-stakeholder governance, PUP leverages strategic partnerships, research dialogues, and community-driven environmental actions to protect shared water resources.
PUP established a formal partnership with Ilog Pasiglahin through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed on April 14, 2024, focusing on the rehabilitation and protection of the Pasig River and surrounding communities. Through joint river clean-ups, environmental awareness dialogues, and community-based workshops, PUP actively engages local barangay leadership and regional stakeholders in water quality improvement, pollution prevention, and sustainable river basin stewardship.
View more on: Ilog Pasiglahin collaborates with PUP to rehabilitate Pasig River
Additionally, PUP's Research Institute for Science and Technology (RIST) initiated a barangay-level water sampling and monitoring project in partnership with SCIENTIA-PUP, generating localized water quality data and raising public health awareness directly within local communities.
View more on: RED Newsletter May 2025 p.16
PUP's National Service Training Program (NSTP) actively aligns with national environmental management drives, mobilizing approximately 360 students for the Manila leg of the 30th International Coastal Cleanup. Participating alongside national agencies and thousands of volunteers, PUP students cleaned the Manila Bay shoreline along Baywalk, Roxas Boulevard, while a simultaneous team of 250 NSTP students managed the cleanup at PUP Linear Park along the Pasig River. These coordinated efforts directly support national water conservation objectives, marine litter reduction, and aquatic biodiversity protection.
View more on: PUP's National Service Training Program (NSTP) actively participated in the 30th International Coastal Cleanup
To address water security through global academic and technical cooperation, PUP's RIST hosted an international research dialogue with the University of Tokyo’s Institute of Industrial Science on April 25, 2025. The collaboration centers on advanced water quality testing and community-based education frameworks. Furthermore, PUP's Research Institute for Strategic Foresight and Innovation (RISFI) presented breakthrough AI-driven predictive water quality modeling at international innovation forums in Bangkok, utilizing deep learning tools to monitor aquatic parameters and support global water security frameworks.
View more on: RED Newsletter November2025 p.3
The University actively promotes conscious water usage through its constitutional frameworks:
PUP Guidelines on Chemical and Hazardous Wastes Management and Disposal , OVPA Office Memorandum No.1 s.2019: Water Conservation, and OVPA Office Memorandum No.5 s.2024: Implementation of Water Conservation Program.
This commitment is reinforced through practical campus-wide measures, including regular leak detection and fixing, the installation of water-saving devices, and the systematic use of harvested rainwater and treated reserves for cleaning, gardening, and facility maintenance. To build a lasting culture of resource efficiency, these regulatory policies integrate seamlessly with our structural blueprints, water-recycling infrastructure (such as pool filtration systems), and natural water-absorption landscapes, ensuring that conscious water management remains embedded across all administrative, academic, and operational dimensions of the university.
Following PUP’s partnership with Ilog Pasiglahin, the University participated in the 2025 International Coastal Cleanup Drive on September 20, 2025, at the PUP Linear Park, Mabini Campus, Sta. Mesa, Manila. The activity gathered more than 100 PUP NSTP students, together with PUP SANDIWA and Ilog Pasiglahin, to clean the area along the Pasig River and prevent waste from entering the waterway.
Held under the theme “Clean Seas against Climate Crisis,” the activity promoted water quality improvement, pollution prevention, ecosystem protection, and responsible waste management. Through student and community participation, the initiative strengthened environmental awareness and supported the continuing rehabilitation and sustainable management of the Pasig River.
On November 27, 2025, PUP National Service Training Program (NSTP), in partnership with Ilog Pasiglahin, co-hosted KLIMASAKIT 2025 at the Claro M. Recto Hall, PUP Mabini Campus. The activity brought together students from the College of Science to discuss climate issues, environmental concerns, and the importance of protecting the Pasig River.
The discussion highlighted the past, present, and possible future of the Pasig River, encouraging students to stay informed and actively participate in environmental protection. The activity strengthened awareness on water resource protection, climate action, environmental stewardship, and community participation, while supporting PUP's continuing efforts toward a nature-based and people-centered rehabilitation of the Pasig River.
On March 22, 2026, PUP NSTP, together with Ilog Pasiglahin, the Philippine Coast Guard, Pureza Coast Guard Substation, and the Pasig River Coordinating and Management Office (PRCMO), conducted a joint clean-up activity at the confluence of the Pasig River and San Juan River beneath the Metro Manila Skyway in Manila. The activity commemorated the International Day of Action for Rivers and World Water Day 2026 and brought together volunteers from different communities and organizations to remove plastic and solid waste from the waterways.
Held under the theme “Protect Rivers, Protect People,” the activity supported the “Ilog ‘Wag Patayin, Ilog Pasiglahin” campaign, which promotes the protection and sustainable rehabilitation of rivers through nature-based and people-centered approaches. The initiative contributed to water quality improvement, pollution prevention, proper solid waste management, river conservation, and sustainable water resource management, while strengthening partnerships and community participation in protecting the Pasig River.
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