ESTRELLA GALLARDO·WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 2016
In an effort to promote environmental management at the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Compound two agencies of the DOST, DOST-National Capital Region (DOST-NCR) and the Industrial Technology Department Institute (DOST-ITDI) teamed up to use a locally developed technology.
Philippines is among the top 10 countries where people are exposed to natural hazards such as earthquakes and typhoons as noted in a 2016 report by Verisk Maplecoft, a risk management company based in the United Kingdom, adding that Manila is the most exposed city worldwide to natural hazards.
Compounding the damage brought by typhoon destruction is the flooding from canals that are clogged by improperly disposed garbage. It is common to see various kinds of trash floating in the streams or esteros during heavy rains in the country.
Such technology is the bioreactor, as part of the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), which encourages solid waste management practices in communities. The bioreactor technology is developed by DOST-ITDI which converts biodegradable wastes into organic fertilizers and soil conditioners.
This is one measure to implement Republic Act 9003, known as the “Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000”, which mandates that communities should adopt a comprehensive ecological solid waste-management program. DOST, for its part, supported RA 9003 by deploying technologies that will help reduce environmental degradation
As the volume of biodegradable waste at the DOST canteen continues to increase with the increasing population in the DOST compound, the need for the composter to address biodegradable wastes is paramount.
Thus, a new addition to the list of bioreactors funded by DOST-NCR is the bioreactor at the MRF in the DOST compound. It involves a small scale two drum composter which has a capacity of addressing 50 kilograms of waste per day. The MRF is set to serve as a transfer station of residual and recyclable wastes where garbage will be turned into compost and soil conditioners.
In 2015, DOST-NCR deployed bioreactors in Pateros, Paranaque, Valenzuela City and at the University of the Philippines Diliman.
The bioreactor at the DOST compound is also meant to ensure that maximum support to RA 9003 will be secured among DOST employees.
DOST-NCR is committed to deploy more technologies which can improve solid waste management practices among communities in the Metropolis and similarly secure additional means for livelihood among Filipinos. It is keen in supporting the government’s initiatives in ensuring that RA 9003 will be observed to promote a cleaner environment and build a stronger environmental management system through collaboration with Local Government Units. (PSciJourn MegaManila)
