DOST’s Green Wave Project reaches Siargao
By Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY. Surigao del Norte (PIA) — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Caraga led by Director Noel M. Ajoc, spearheaded a two-day site assessment, technology orientation, and learning exposure of the Project Green Wave in Del Carmen, Siargao Island, in the province of Surigao del Norte.
Green Wave is a project by the DOST Caraga and its partner stakeholders to promote circular economy principles and implement sustainable practices on the island.
The initiative utilizes technology-driven solutions to address waste management and over-tourism challenges and aims to transform the island into a model for a sustainable circular economy.
Held on September 4-5, it promoted sustainable waste management and resource optimization, while localizing and showcasing innovative solutions that support circular economy principles and adoption from several technology partners.
It also aimed to combat environmental issues caused by over-tourism and implement sustainable technologies and strategies for resource management, and to position Siargao Island as a benchmark for a circular and sustainable economy.
“The country’s leading tourism destination, Siargao Island, is steadily positioning itself as a model for sustainable transformation,” Dir. Ajoc said. “Through continued collaboration with LGUs and stakeholders, and by aligning programs such as Project Green Wave, DOST Caraga bridges research, innovation, and community participation to build a greener, more resilient future for the island.”
Under the Green Wave Project, the DOST Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI) featured the waste valorization technologies, such as composting and wastewater treatment. UP Diliman/CHRG EV Technologies Inc., led by Engr. Leo Allen Tayo, introduced CharM, a rapid electric vehicle charging system.
Meanwhile, representatives from Mapúa University presented its Sessy E-Boat Technology, designed to advance e-mobility in coastal areas.
Collectively, these interventions highlight how sustainable waste management and transport solutions can help model a resilient and future-ready Siargao Island.
To explore opportunities for localized adoption, the team conducted site visits to the Del Carmen waste processing facility, transportation terminal, public market and the Sugba Lagoon.
Technical staff from DOST Caraga, DOST Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Norte State University (SNSU), and LGU Del Carmen joined the exposure activities, gaining hands-on insights into emerging technologies and stakeholder engagement as vital to the initiative.
The DOST Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD), as the monitoring agency, together with LGU Del Carmen, reaffirmed their support for accelerating circular economy adoption in Siargao Island. (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte with a report from DOST Caraga)
