By John Maico M. Hernandez The Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-CALABARZON through its Provincial Science and Technology Office ...
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| The Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-CALABARZON through its Provincial Science and Technology Office in Batangas (PSTO-Batangas). |
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-CALABARZON through its Provincial Science and Technology Office in Batangas (PSTO-Batangas) in partnership with the DOST-Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI) and Batangas State University – The National Engineering University (BatStateU) deployed the Upgraded Emergency Disinfection System (UPEDS) technology to address arsenic contamination in drinking water at Sitio Mahabang Gulod, Brgy. Barigon, Agoncillo, Batangas last April 3.
UPEDS is a technology developed by DOST-ITDI which aims to remove arsenic from a water source and make it safe for drinking. This technology is a batch-type, mobile, ready-to-use water treatment system with an integrated solar panel that provides a reliable and uninterruptible power supply that can be used in areas where calamities have disrupted or cut off electricity and water supplies. The unit can treat up to 170 liters of water per tank/cycle.
Arsenic contamination in groundwater was first detected in Agoncillo and neighboring towns after the eruption of Taal Volcano on January 12, 2020. The alarming elevation of arsenic levels in drinking water among eight towns and a city in the province of Batangas is linked to Taal Volcano's activities. Through the deployment of UPEDS, the community in Brgy. Barigon can now access clean potable water.
Present during the deployment activity were DOST-CALABARZON Regional Director, Ms. Emelita Bagsit, DOST-ITDI Chief for Environmental and Biotechnology Division, Engr. Reynaldo L. Esguerra, PSTO-Batangas Provincial S&T Director, Ms. Felina C. Malabanan, BatStateU President, Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo, BatStateU Vice President for Research, Development and Extension Services, Engr. Albertson D. Amante, Agoncillo Municipal Mayor, Atty. Cinderella V. Reyes, Vice Mayor Daniel D. Reyes, Brgy. Captain Magno Humarang, and the project team composed of Engr. Rochelle Retamar, Engr. Prima Joy Margarito, and Engr. Dante Vergara.
According to Director Bagsit, this is the first UPEDS deployed in the CALABARZON region, and she has high hopes for the benefits this unit could provide to the residents of Brgy. Barigon. She also stressed the importance of proper maintenance and utilization of the UPEDS to ensure its sustainability and maximize its impact on the community.
A demonstration of chemical preparation and on using the equipment was conducted as part of the deployment program. The project team spearheaded the equipment operation, which they mentioned would need at least 30 minutes to treat the water and make it available for consumption.
Brgy. Captain Humarang thanked DOST-CALABARZON, DOST-ITDI, BatStateU, and LGU-Agoncillo for the deployment of this technology. Since the majority of their residents buy drinking water from nearby barangays, he considers this technology advantageous in making potable water available in their community.
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