 HISTORY OF SANITARY ENGINEERING IN THE

PHILIPPINES
BEFORE THE OUTBREAK OF WORLD WAR II (WWII)
 group of enterprising civil engineers with specialized studies in
 SOLID WASTE Sanitary Engineering obtained in USA initiated the formation of
 CONTAMINATED WATER PSSE
 WATER SCARCITY  their collective effort was cut short by WWI
 WATER POLLUTION
 WASTEWATE DURING 1943-1944
 DISEASES  When the Japanese forces allowed a select few colleges of
the University of the Philippines to open, Dr. Reynaldo M
Lesaca was appointed initially as assistant instructor of
 REPUBLIC ACT NO. 1364 Sanitary Engineering under Dr. Hilario Lara (Dean of Institute
 Known as “SANITARY ENGINEERING LAW” of Hygiene)
 An act to regulate the practice of Sanitary Engineering
in the Philippines BY THE EARLY FIFTIES
 A consensus emerged among the academicians and civil
engineers to recognize sanitary engineering as a separate ang
 SANITARY ENGINEER highly specialized field encompassing, as it did, BIOLOGY,
 A person duly registered with the Board of Examiners
SANITARY CHEMISTRY AND WATER ANALYSIS, AND
for Sanitary Engineers as provided in R.A. 1364 RELATED WATER AND WASTEWATER AGAINST
 A branch of civil engineering concerned primarily with
POLLUTION
the maintenance of the environmental conditions
(PURE WATER SUPPLY, WASTE DISPOSAL, 1951
INSECT CONTROL, NUISANCE ABATEMENT)  PSSE was revived through the efforts of Don Emilio L
conducive to public health Ejercito Sr. with the help of Engr. Antonio Menor, Engr.
Lamberto Un Ocampo
 They work for the propagation of formal course and enactment
law regulating the practice of sanitary engineering profession.
 PHILIPPINE SOCIETY OF SANITARY ENGINEERS INC.
 Engr. Antonio Menor (then chief of Metropolitan Water
(PSSE)
District) was elected president. He was succeeded by Engr.
 the only professional organization of Sanitary
Lamberto Un Ocampo and later on by Engr. Emilio L
Engineers in the Philippines accredited by the
Ejercity Sr.
Professional Regulation Commision (PRC)
1953
 After the election of President Ramon Magsaysay, MWD was
 ENGR. EMILIO LIZA EJERCITY SR.
organized into the National Water Works and Sewerage
 Acknowledge as “Father of Sanitary Engineering” in the
(NAWASA), mainly through the effort of Engr. Susano R.
Philippines
Negado
 Earliest practitioner of Sanitary Engineering in the
 ENGR. SUSANO R. NEGADO - helped draft a law recognizing
Philippines
Sanitary Engineering as a separate engineering specialty.
 Became the first Sanitary Engineer of Manila
 - holds the SE Registation No. AS OF JANUARY 2022
0001  There are total of 3,923 registered Sanitary
Engineers pursuant to RA 1364
JUNE 18, 1955
 Passage of Republic Act 1364 “an act to regulate the practice SANITARY ENGINEERING
of SE in the Philippines.”  The recommended engineering course in our modern times.
 Environmental Engineering

As embodied in the By-laws of the PSSE as amended on December

03, 2015 and pursuant to Memorandum Circular No. 35 Series of  BASIC EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENT
2009, by the Commission on Higher Education.  4-year Baccalaureate program in Sanitary Engineering
The fields of Specialization of a Sanitary Engineers are: or Environmental and Sanitary Engineering
 Pass the Board Examination n Sanitary Engineering
1. Environmental Engineering
2. Environmental Management
3. Public health Engineering  COST OF EDUCATION
4. Plumbing and Fire protection  40,00 - 60, 000 per semester in private schools and
5. Solid Waste Engineering universities
6. Wastewater Engineering
7. Water Supply Engineering

AS OF SEPTEMBER 2017
 There are total of 3,265 registered Sanitary Engineers
pursuant to RA 1364
 There are 13 schools offering Baccalaureate degree in
Sanitary Engineering

 St. Paul University – Tuguegarao

 University of Northern Philippines – Vigan
 Technological Institute of the Philippines – QC
 National University – Manila
 Mapua University – Manila
 University of Baguio – Baguio
 University of Cordillera – Cordillera
 Dela Salle University – Cavite
 Batangas State University – Batangas
 Partido State University – Bicol Region
 University of SouthEastern Philippines
 Western Mindanao State University
 Manuel L Quezon University - QC
  REPUBLIC ACT NO. 1364
SECTION 3: COMPOSITION OF BOARD - Within thirty days from
the effectivity of this Act there shall be created a Board of Examiners
 ARTICLE 1: TITLE OF ACT AND DEFINITION OF TERMS for Sanitary Engineers2, hereinafter referred to as the Board, to be
composed of a chairman and two members who shall be appointed
by the President of the Philippines* upon the recommendation of
 SECTION 1: TITLE OF ACT - act shall be known as the the Commission of Civil Service3 from among such persons of
“Sanitary Engineering Law” recognized standing in their profession as may be certified as having
 SECTION 2: DEFINITION OF TERMS - the practice of practiced at least five years, and academically and morally fully
sanitary engineering within the meaning and intent of this Act qualified by their respective bona fide sanitary engineering
shall embrace the following activities: associations. The members of the Board shall hold office for a term
of three years after appointment or until their successors shall
have been appointed and shall have duly qualified. The first members
a. Sanitary surveys, reports, deign, direction,
of the Board appointed under this Act shall hold office for the following
management, consultation and investigation of:
terms: one member for one year; one member for two years; and
one member for three years. Each member of the Board shall
(1)
qualify by taking the proper oath of office before entering upon the
 WATER PURIFICATION PLANTS
performance of his duties. Any member of the Board may be removed
 WATER COLLECTION AND DISTRIBUTION
by the President for neglect of duty, incompetence, malpractice,
SYSTEM
unprofessional, unethical, immoral, or dishonorable conduct,
 SEWAGE DISPOSAL TANKS
after having been given opportunity to defend himself in a proper
 RESERVOIRS
administrative investigation: Provided, That during the process of
 SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANTS
investigation, the President* shall have the power to suspend such
 DRAINAGE AND SEWER SYSTEMS
members under investigation and shall appoint a temporary member
 OTHER STRUCTURES FOR PUBLIC HEALTH
in his place. Vacancies in the Board shall be filled for the unexpired
AND WELFARE
term.
 MALARIA CONTROL STRUCTURES
SECTION 4: POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE BOARD - The Board
(2) Projects relating to:
of Examiners for Sanitary Engineers4 is vested with authority,
 STREAM POLLUTION
conformable with the provisions of this Act,
 INSECTS AND VERMIN CONTROL AND
 to administer oaths, issue, suspend and revoke certificates of
ERADICATION
registration for the practice of sanitary engineering, issue
 RURAL AND CAMP SANITATION
certificates of recognition to sanitary engineers already
 MILK AND FOOD SANITATION
practicing prior to the effectivity of this Act for advanced
studies, research and/or highly specialized training in any
(3) Systems for the prevention of atmospheric pollution
branch of sanitary engineering subject to the approval of the
or the control of indoor air, especially the air of working spaces in
President,
industrial establishments (industrial hygiene engineering)
 to investigate such violations of this Act and the regulations
thereunder as may come to the knowledge of the Board and
for this purpose, issue subpoena duces tecum to secure
ARTICLE II - BOARD OF EXAMINERS FOR SANITARY appearance of witnesses in connection with the charges
ENGINEERS presented to the Board,
  to inspect, at least once a year, educational institutions become a member of the Board, unless he had stopped
offering courses in sanitary engineering, to discharge such teaching for at least three consecutive years prior to his
other powers and duties as may affect ethical and appointment.
technological standards of the sanitary engineering profession
in the Philippines. SECTION 6: REGISTRATION AND EXAMINATION FEES - The
Board of Examiners shall charge for each application for examination,
For the purpose of this Act, the Secretary of Health, and/or the sum of thirty-five pesos and for each certificate of registration,
his duly authorized representatives in the provinces and chartered ten pesos.
cities shall be ex officio agents of the Board, and as such it shall be SECTION 7: COMPENSATION OF BOARD MEMBERS - The
their duty to help in the enforcement of the provisions of this Act. If members of the Board shall each receive as compensation, the sum
any person shall refuse to obey any subpoena so issued or shall of five pesos for each applicant examined. A sanitary engineer in
refuse to testify or produce any book document, etc., the Board may the service of the Government of the Philippines, appointed as
present its petition to the Court of First Instance, setting forth the facts member of the Board shall receive the compensation as herein
and thereupon such court shall, in a proper case, issue its subpoena provided in addition to his salary in the Government. All
to such person, requiring his appearance before such court, and there authorized expenses of the Board shall be paid by the Bureau of
to testify or produce such books, papers, documents, etc., as may be Civil Service. The Board, including the compensation provided for
deemed necessary and pertinent by the Board. Any person failing or hereinafter, shall be paid by the collecting and disbursing office
refusing to obey the subpoena or order of the said court, may be of the Bureau of Civil Service, out of such appropriation, as may be
proceeded against in the same manner as for refusal to obey any made for the purpose.
other subpoena or order of the court.
SECTION 8: EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE BOARD -
SECTION 5: QUALIFICATIONS OF BOARD MEMBERS - Each
member of the Board shall, at the time of his appointment: SECTION 9: ANNUAL REPORT - The Board shall submit an annual
report to the President after the close of each fiscal year, giving a
detailed account of its proceedings during the year and making such
a. Be a citizen and resident of the Philippines. recommendations as may be deemed proper.
b. Be at least thirty years of age and of good moral character.
c. Be a graduate of sanitary engineering or a registered civil SECTION 10: ROSTER OF SANITARY ENGINEERS - A roster
engineer who has taken major subjects in sanitary showing names and place of business and permanent home
engineering from a recognized and legally constituted addresses of all professional sanitary engineers, shall be prepared by
school, institute, college or university and/or a registered the Commissioner of Civil Service during the month of July of every
Civil Engineer who has passed the Civil Service year, commencing one year after the date this Act becomes effective.
examination for Senior Sanitary Engineer. Copies of this roster shall be mailed to each person so registered and
d. Be a registered sanitary engineer duly qualified to practice placed on file with the President*; and copies thereof, shall be
sanitary engineering in the Philippines and have practiced furnished to all Department Heads, to the mayors of all chartered
sanitary engineering, with a certificate as such, for a period cities, to the Director of Public Works, to the Collector of
of not less than five years prior to his appointment. Customs, to such other bureaus, or government agencies and
e. Not be a member of the faculty of any school, institution, provincial and municipal authorities as may be deemed necessary,
college or university where sanitary engineering course is and to the public upon request.
taught nor have a pecuniary interest in such institution.
f. No former members of the faculty of any school, institution,
college or university where sanitary engineering is taught can
ARTICLE III: EXAMINATION FOR REGISTRATION (4) design and construction of wooden, masonry, reinforced
concrete and steel structures as flumes, water towers and
SECTION 11: EXAMINATION FOR REQUIREMENT - All applicants drainage canals.
for registration for the practice of sanitary engineering, shall be
required to pass a technical examination as hereinafter provided. SECTION 14: REPORT OF RATINGS - The Board of Examiners for
Sanitary Engineering shall, within one hundred and twenty days
SECTION 12: HOLDING OF EXAMINATION - Examination of after the date of completion of the examination, report the rating
candidates desiring to practice sanitary engineering in the Philippines obtained by each candidate to the Commissioner of Civil Service,
shall be given in the City of Manila, beginning the last Monday of who shall submit such ratings to the President. *
January and August of each year, provided that such days do not
fall on official holidays, otherwise the examination shall be held on the SECTION 15: REEXAMINATION - An applicant who for the third
days next following. time fails to pass the examination for the same grade shall not be
allowed to take another until at least one year has elapsed after his
SECTION 13: SUBJECTS OF EXAMINATION - Applicants for last examination.
certificates of registration as sanitary engineers shall be examined in
the following subjects: SECTION 16: ISSUANCE OF CERTIFICATES - The President shall,
upon the recommendation of the Board, issue a certificate of
registration upon payment of the registration fee as provided in this
 Mathematics: including Algebra, plane and spherical Act to any applicant, who, in the opinion of the Board and after
trigonometry, Analytics. descriptive and solid geometry, approval by the President, has satisfactorily met all the requirements
differential and integral calculus, and rational and applied specified in this Act. All certificates of registration shall show the full
mechanics name of the registrant, shall have a serial number, and shall be
 Hydraulics, topographic and hydrographic surveying; signed by all the members of the Board, the President and the
 design and construction of wooden, masonry, reinforced Commissioner of Civil Service and shall be attested by the
concrete, and steel structures as flumes, water towers official seal of the same Board. The issuance of a certificate of
and drainage canals registration by the Board to a registrant shall be evidence that the
 hydrology; person named therein is entitled to all the rights and privileges of a
 water and sewage analysis; registered sanitary engineer, while said certificate remains unrevoked
 microbiology and bacteriology; and unsuspended, unless the same is revoked or suspended.
 design and construction of sewers, storm drains, water
purification plants, sewage treatment plants and SECTION 17: QUALIFICATIONS FOR EXAMINATION - Any person
plumbing: applying for admission to the sanitary engineering examination as
herein provided, shall, prior to the date of the examination, establish
Provided, however, That duly registered civil engineers shall be to the satisfaction of the Board that he has the following qualifications:
exempted from taking examinations in the following subjects:
a. Be at least twenty-one years of age;
(1) Mathematics, including algebra, plane calculus, rational and b. Be a citizen of the Philippines;
applied mechanics; c. Be of good reputation and moral character; and,
(2) hydraulics; d. Be a graduate of a four-year course in sanitary engineering or
(3) topographic and hydrographic surveying; and BSCE having taken major subjects in sanitary engineering from
a school, institute, college or university recognized by the
Government or the State wherein it is established.
 action, which statement shall be incorporated in the records of the
SECTION 18: OATH OF SANITARY ENGINEERS - All successful Board.
candidates shall be required to take a professional oath before the
Board of Examiners for Sanitary Engineers or other Government SECTION 22: SUSPENSION AND REVOCATION OF
officials authorized to administer oaths, prior to entering upon the CERTIFICATES - Subject to the approval of the President, the Board
practice of the sanitary engineering profession. shall have the power after due notice and hearing, to suspend or
revoke the certificate of registration for any cause mentioned in the
SECTION 19: SEAL AND USE OF SEAL - All registered sanitary preceding section.
engineers shall obtain a seal of such design as the Board shall
authorize and direct: Provided, however, That the serial number of the SECTION 23: RE-ISSUE AND REPLACEMENT OF CERTIFICATES
certificate issued by the Board shall be included in the design of the - The Board may, after the expiration of one year from the date a
seal. Plans and specifications prepared by, or under the direct certificate of registration is revoked and for reasons it may deem
supervision of a registered sanitary engineer shall be stamped with sufficient, entertain an application for a new certificate of registration
the seal during the life of the registrants’ certificate, and it shall be from the registrant concerned. Such application shall be accomplished
unlawful for anyone to stamp or seal any document with said seal in the same form prescribed for examination, but the Board may, in its
after the certificate of the registrant named therein has expired or has discretion, exempt the applicant from taking the requisite examination.
been revoked, unless said certificate shall have been renewed or
reissued. SECTION 24: TRANSITORY PROVISIONS - Within one year, or as
soon as this Act takes effect, any person desiring to practice the
SECTION 20: EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION - Registration profession of sanitary engineering shall be required only to obtain a
shall not be required of the following persons: certificate of registration in the manner and under the condition herein
provided:
a. Officers or enlisted men of the United States and Philippine
Armed Forces and civilian employees of the Government of the 1. All graduates of sanitary engineering or civil engineers who have
United States stationed in the Philippines while rendering taken major subjects in sanitary engineers who have taken major
sanitary engineering services for the United States and/or subjects in sanitary engineering from a recognized and legally
Philippines. constituted school, institute, college or university, with at least two
years experience as sanitary engineers; all civil engineers in the
`b. Foreign sanitary engineers or experts called in by the employ of the Philippine Government or in private practice in the
Philippine Government for consultation for specific sanitary Philippines who have at least five years experience in sanitary
engineering services as defined under this Act: Provided, that engineering services and civil engineers with no less than ten
this practice shall be limited to such work: And Provided, further, years continuous practice as master plumbers, prior to the
That they do not engage in private practice at their own account approval of this Act; and,
as sanitary engineers.
2. All civil engineers who have passed the Assistant Sanitary
SECTION 21: REFUSAL TO ISSUE CERTIFICATE - The Board of Engineer or Senior Sanitary Engineer Civil Service examinations and
Examiners for Sanitary Engineers shall not issue a certificate to any have been practicing sanitary engineering for at least two years prior
person convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction of any criminal to the approval of this Act.
offense involving moral turpitude, or to any person guilty of immoral or
dishonorable conduct, or to any person of unsound mind. In the event ARTICLE IV: ENFORCEMENT OF ACT AND PENAL PROVISIONS
of a refusal to issue a certificate to any person, the Board shall give to
the applicant a written statement setting forth its reason for such
SECTION 25: ENFORCEMENT OF THE ACT AND BY OFFICERS sanitary engineering service, either for himself or for others,
OF THE LAW - It shall be the duty of all duly constituted law officers unless he holds a valid certificate of registration as sanitary
of the national, provincial, city and municipal governments or any engineer.
political subdivision thereof, to enforce the provisions of this Act
and to prosecute any person violating the same. b. To be in responsible charge of the construction, erection,
installation or alteration, or of the performance of sanitary
SECTION 26: REGISTRATION REQUIRED - Unless exempted from engineering service in connection with the manufacture, sale
registration, no person shall practice or offer to practice sanitary supply or distribution of any sanitary engineering works,
engineering in the Philippines without having obtained the proper projects or plant (as cited in article one, section two of this Act),
certificate of registration from the Board of Examiners for Sanitary either for himself or for others, unless he holds a valid certificate
Engineers. of registration as sanitary engineer.

SECTION 27: PENAL PROVISIONS - Any person who shall practice SECTION 29: PREPARATION OF PLANS AND SUPERVISION OF
or offer to practice sanitary engineering in the Philippines without CONSTRUCTION BY REGISTERED SANITARY ENGINEERS
being registered in accordance with the provisions of this Act, or any REQUIRED - It shall be unlawful for any person or firm to order or
person presenting or attempting to use as his own the certificate of otherwise cause the construction, erection, installation or alteration of
registration of a registered sanitary engineer, or any person who shall any sanitary engineering equipment, machinery or process for any
give any false or forged evidence of any kind to the Board, or any sanitary engineering work, project or plant, the cost of which exceeds
person who shall impersonate any registrant sanitary engineer of five thousand pesos, unless the design, plans, layouts, and/or
different name, or any person who shall attempt to use a revoked or specifications have been prepared under the responsible charge of,
suspended certificate of registration, or any person who shall use in signed and sealed by a registered sanitary engineer, and/or alteration
connection with his name, or otherwise assume, use, or advertise any thereof are executed under the responsible charge and direct
title or description tending to convey the impression that he is a supervision of a registered sanitary engineer.
sanitary engineer, without holding a valid certificate of registration, or
any person who shall violate any of the provisions of this Act, shall be SECTION 30: FIRMS AND CORPORATIONS ENGAGED IN
guilty of a misdemeanor and shall, upon conviction, be sentenced SANITARY ENGINEERING PRACTICE - A firm, partnership,
to a fine of not less than five hundred pesos nor more than two corporation or association may engage in the practice of sanitary
thousand pesos, or to suffer imprisonment for a period of not engineering in the Philippines: Provided, That such practice is carried
less than six months nor more than one year, or both, in the out under the supervision of a sanitary engineer or sanitary engineers
discretion of the court. holding valid certificates issued by the Board. No firm, partnership,
corporation or association, using the name of a person or persons as
in the name of firm, shall advertise as sanitary engineers unless said
person or persons are registered sanitary engineers.
ARTICLE V: MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
SECTION 31: COLLECTION OF PROFESSIONAL FEES - It shall be
SECTION 28: FIELD OF ACTION AUTHORIZED FOR SANITARY unlawful for any unregistered person to collect a fee for services
ENGINEERING PROHIBITIONS - It shall be unlawful for any person, rendered except as an employee collecting a fee as representative
unless exempted from registration under section twenty of this Act: of a registered sanitary engineer.

a. To be in responsible charge of the preparation of plans, SECTION 32: RECIPROCITY REQUIREMENTS - No person who is
designs, investigations, valuations, technical reports, not a citizen of the Philippines at the time he applies to take
specification or estimates, or to be in performance of other examination shall be allowed to take it unless he can prove in the
manner provided by the Rules of Court that, by specific provision of The Sanitary Engineer in the performance of his duties, deals with
law, the country of which he is a citizen, subject, or national either clients, the general public and his fellow engineers. His conduct must
admits citizens of the Philippines to the practice of the same be guided by a set of principles designed to uphold the integrity and
profession without restriction or allows them to practice it after an the dignity of the profession, thus a Sanitary Engineer.
examination on terms of strict and absolute equality with citizens,
subjects, or nationals of the country concerned, including the 1. Shall discharge his duties faithfully, efficiently with fairness and
unconditional recognition of degrees issued by institutions of learning impartiality to all for the
duly recognized for the purpose by the Government of the Philippines: benefit of God, his country, his fellowmen and lastly to himself.
Provided, That if he is not a citizen of the Philippines after December
eight, nineteen hundred and forty one, his active practice in that 2. Shall uphold the honor and dignity of the profession, maintain an
profession, either in the Philippines or in the state or country where he honest reputation,
was practicing his profession, shall not have been interrupted for a broadens, public knowledge and appreciation to sanitary and
period of two years or more prior to July four, nineteen hundred environmental engineering, its achievements and accomplishments.
and forty-six, and that the country or state from which he comes
allows the citizens of the Philippines by specific provisions of law, to 3. Shall oppose any false and exaggerated statements not based on
practice the same profession without restrictions or in terms of strict facts regarding
and absolute equality with citizens, subjects or nationals of the engineering achievements, nor shall express an opinion on
country or state concerned. engineering subject unless it is founded on adequate knowledge and
conviction on his part.
SECTION 33: ACT NOT AFFECTING OTHER PROVISIONS
AND/OR TRADES - This Act shall not be construed to affect or
4. Shall act for his client or his employer in a professional manner as a
prevent the practice of any other legally recognized profession, and/or
faithful agent or trustee
trade nor shall it be construed to diminish the fields of practice already
and in instances when in his judgment his client’s final decision may
embraced by civil engineers duly registered under the Civil
defer from his own, he must explain the possible consequences.
Engineering Law, Republic Act Numbered Five hundred and forty
four, or of those by duly licensed master plumbers under
existing law. 5. Shall accept remuneration and compensation only from his client
for services actually rendered and in instances wherein the client and
SECTION 34: CONSTRUCTION OF ACT - If any part or section of payor are of different personalities, he must inform all parties
this Act shall be declared unconstitutional, such declaration shall not concerned.
invalidate the other provisions hereof.
6. Shall respect the opinion and work of another engineer for the
SECTION 35: EFFECTIVITY - This Act shall take effect upon its same client and shall not review the same without informing such
approval. Approved, June 18, 1955. engineer or unless the relationship of the engineer and the client has
 terminated.

7. Shall maintain friendly relationship with his fellow engineers, and

shall not directly injure the business reputation or employment
position of another engineer.
 CODE OF ETHICS FOR SANITARY ENGINEERS
8. Shall maintain fair play when competing for a job by not taking
advantage of his salaried position or exerting undue influence to offer,
solicit and accept compensation for the purpose affecting negotiations SECTION 3. FUNCTIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH -
for a professional engagement. The Department shall have the following powers and functions:

9. Shall advise his employer or client that the engagement of a. Undertake the promotion and preservation of the health of the
professional services should not be based purely on monetary people and raise the health standards of individuals and communities
considerations. throughout the Philippines;

10. Shall avoid self-laudation in advertisement and make false b. Extend maximum health services to the people in rural areas and
statements with respect to his qualifications and experience provide medical care to those who cannot afford it by reason of
poverty;

c. Develop, administer and coordinate various health activities and

services which shall include public health, preventive, curative and
rehabilitative programs, medical care, health and medical education
services;
 PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 856, s. 1975 - CODE
OF SANITATION d. Upgrade the standards of medical practice, the quality of health
services and programs to assure the people of better health services;

CHAPTER 1: GENERAL PROVISIONS e. Assist local health agencies in developing public health programs
including medical care, and promote medical and public health
SECTION 1. TITLE - “Code on Sanitation of the Philippines” research;
SECTION 2. DEFINITION OF TERMS:
f. Issue permits to establish and operate government and private
hospitals, clinics, dispensaries, schools of nursing, midwifery, and
 CODE - code on Sanitation of the Philippines other para-medical courses, puericulture centers, clinical laboratories
 DEPARTMENT - The Department of Health and blood banks;
 SECRETARY - The Secretary of Health
 REGIONAL DIRECTOR - an official who heads g. Prescribe standard rates of fees for health, medical, laboratory, and
a Regional Health Office other public health services; and
 LOCAL HEALTH AUTHORITY - an official or
employee responsible for the application of a h. Performs such other functions as may be provided by law.
prescribed health measure in a local political
subdivision
 HEALTH OFFICER - Provincial, City or SECTION 4. AUTHORITY OF THE SECRETARY - In addition to the
Municipal Health Officer powers and authority of the Secretary which are provided by law, he is
 ENGINEER - A Sanitary Engineer likewise empowered to promulgate rules and regulations.
 SECTION - any section of this code unless the
terms refer to other statues which are SECTION 5. AUTHORITY OF THE BUREAU OF DIRECTORS - The
specifically mentioned Bureau Directors shall be
responsible for staff activities involving the development of plans, deputy or agent of the official pursuant to law, unless it is expressly
programs, operating provided otherwise
standards and management techniques in their respective field of in this Code.
assignment.
SECTION 6. AUTHORITY OF THE REGIONAL DIRECTORS - The d. Language required – Any notice, report, statement or record
Regional Directors shall required or authorized
administer health functions in their regions, implement policies, by this Code, shall be written in English or Pilipino.
standards and programs
involving health services; and enforce the provisions of this Code and e. Mailing of notices – Unless otherwise expressly provided, any
the rules and notice required to be
regulations promulgated by the Secretary under this Code. sent to any person by any provision of this Code, shall be sent
through the postal
SECTION 7. AUTHORITY OF THE HEALTH OFFICERS - The health service. The affidavit of the official or employee who mailed the notice
officers shall administer is prima facie
health functions in areas under their jurisdiction and enforce the evidence that the notice was sent as prescribed herein.
provisions of this Code
and the rules and regulations promulgated by the Secretary under this f. Condemnation and seizure of property – When any property is
Code. officially condemned or
seized by government authorities in the interest of public health, the
SECTION 8. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS : owner thereof shall
not be entitled to compensation.
a. International treaties, agreements and conventions – The
Republic of the Philippines g. Command responsibility – When a duty is expressly vested in a
recognizes international treaties, agreements and conventions on health officer as
public health. Their provided in this Code, it shall be understood that it shall likewise be
provisions may be considered parts of this Code provided they do not the concern of the
contravene the superiors of the health office under the principle of command
Constitution, existing laws or any provision of this Code. responsibility.

b. Rights and proceedings – Any proceeding which has commenced

or any right which
has accrued upon the effectivity of this Code shall not be affected by CHAPTER II: WATER SUPPLY
any of its
provisions. However, matters of procedure and rights arising after the SECTION 9. PRESCRIBED STANDARDS AND PROCEDURES -
date of effectivity Standards for drinking water and their bacteriological and chemical
of this Code shall conform to the provisions hereof. examinations, together with the evaluation of results, shall conform to
the criteria set by the National Drinking Water Standards. The
c. Delegation of power and assignment of duty – Whenever a treatment of water to render it safe for drinking, and the disinfection of
power is granted or a duty contaminated water sources together with their distribution systems
is assigned to any public health officer in this Code, the power may be shall be in accordance with procedures prescribed by the Department.
exercised by a
SECTION 10. JURISDICTION OF THE DEPARTMENT - The SECTION 13. OTHER PROTECTIVE MEASURES - To protect
approval of the Secretary or that of his duly authorized representative drinking water from contamination, the following measures shall be
is required in the following cases: observed:

a. Sites of water sources before their construction; a. Washing clothes or bathing within a radius of 25 meters from any
b. Delivery of water to consumers from new or recently repaired water well or other source of drinking water is prohibited.
systems;
c. Operation of a water system after an order of closure was issued by b. No artesians, deep or shallow wells shall be constructed within 25
the Department; meters from any source of pollution.
d. Plans and specifications of water systems of subdivisions and
projects prior to the construction of housing units thereat; and c. No radioactive sources or materials shall be stored within a radius
e. Certification of potability of drinking water. of 25 meters from
any well or source of drinking water unless the radioactive source is
SECTION 11. TYPES OF WATER EXAMINATIONS REQUIRED - adequately and
The following examinations are required for drinking water: safely enclosed by proper shielding.

a. Initial examination. – The physical, chemical and d. No person charged with the management of a public water supply
bacteriological examinations of system shall
water from newly constructed systems or sources are required permit any physical connection between its distribution system and
before they are operated that of any other
and opened for public use. Examination of water for possible radio- water supply, unless the latter is regularly examined as to its quality
active contamination by those incharge
should also be done initially. of the public supply to which the connection is made and found to be
safe and potable.
b. Periodic examination – Water from existing sources is subject
to bacteriological e. The installation of booster pump to boost water direct from the
examination as often as possible but the interval shall not be longer water distribution line
than six months, of a water supply system, where low-water pressure prevails is
while general systematic chemical examination shall be prohibited.
conducted every 12 months or
often. Examination of water sources shall be conducted yearly for
possible radioactive contamination. CHAPTER III: FOOD ESTABLISHMENT

SECTION 14. SANITARY PERMIT -

SECTION 12. EXAMINING LABORATORIES AND SUBMISSION
OF WATER SAMPLES - The examination of drinking water shall be
performed only in private or government laboratories duly accredited
by the Department. It is the responsibility of operators of water
systems to submit to accredited laboratories water samples for
examination in a manner and at such intervals prescribed by the
Department.