DOST-13 provides sewage treatment facility in Sugba Lagoon, a guarantee on eco-tourism
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Caraga, through its Science and Technology Office in Surigao del Norte, and in partnership with the local government unit of Del Carmen has been implementing various programs and projects that foster science and technology-driven initiatives especially in the island of Siargao.
DOST Caraga Regional Director, Engr. Noel M. Ajoc bared that a major and successful undertaking with the local government unit of Del Carmen, Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte is the Grants-in-Aid project dubbed as, "Diffusion of Technological Innovations toward Sustainable Treatment Strategies and Effluent Management of Wastewater."
He said the joint endeavor seeks to introduce sustainable treatment methodologies and effluent management solutions to address wastewater challenges in the small island communities, specifically targeting the renowned "Sugba Lagoon" in Del Carmen and the initiative focuses on the diffusion of the Modular Eco-friendly Domestic Wastewater (MEDoWW) treatment system, a pioneering technology funded by DOST and developed by researchers from Adamson University headed by Dr. Merlinda A. Palencia.
RD Ajoc further said that the intervention harnesses and utilizes natural bioremediation, modular bio-filter reactors, adsorption, combined anoxic and aerobic mechanisms, and chlorination to revamp the treatment of wastewater discharges.
"The project components include the installation of the MEDoWW treatment system at Sugba Lagoon; conduct of technological diffusion, forum, and technology trainings to educate stakeholders on the treatment system's engineering design, standard operating procedure, and preventive maintenance protocols; and enhanced wastewater effluent discharge quality of Sugba Lagoon and other possible LGU adopters in conformance to the regulations of DAO 2021-019 Updated Water Quality Guidelines (WQG) and General Effluent Standards (GES)." Director Ajoc added.
The MEDoWW treatment system is a facility attached to the sanctuary's floating platform and uses an eco-septic tank and biofilters to treat the wastewater from the improvised toilet. The wastewater goes through a three-stage filtration to remove solid dirt particles. A non-toxic powdered solution called Vigormin is added once a week to treat the water, making it clean and safe for releases into the ocean. Above all, it does not only protect marine life but also promotes human comfort that guarantees guilt-free waste discharge.
Meanwhile, Mayor JR Coro was delighted to announce that they officially received the funding allocation of P390,000 which marked a pivotal juncture in the project implementation, underscoring the profound commitment and cooperation between the government agency and the LGU.
The local chief executive expressed his gratitude to the DOST for all the support to enhance the sewage treatment facility in Sugba Lagoon to sustain protection of ecosystems of the area and promote safer tourism.
Sugba Lagoon is one of the province's top tourist destinations hidden in a remote island village of Caub in Del Carmen, Siargao Island that is famous for its clear turquoise waters surrounded with mangroves and beautiful rock formation. This is the second largest mangrove system in the Philippines with more than 4,200 hectares.
As DOST enhances the sewage treatment facility in the island municipalities of the province, it also pioneers a future where technological innovation harmonizes with ecological responsibility. (with story from DOST-SDN/SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte)
