In order to address the non-potable water issue of Brgy. Sta. Ines, Tanay, Rizal, various agencies cooperated to deploy the Upgraded Emergency Disinfection System (UPEDS) Technology to the said barangay last May 22, 2023.
Regional Director Emelita P. Bagsit and Rizal Provincial Director Fernando E. Ablaza of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-CALABARZON, together with Deputy Director Zorayda V. Ang and Engr. Reynaldo L. Esguerra of DOST-Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI), President Dr. Nancy T. Pascual and Dr. Marites M. Rio of University of Rizal System (URS), signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the local government unit (LGU) of Tanay, led by Hon. Rafael A. Tanjuatco, Hon. Rex Manuel C. Tanjuatco, and Hon. Adrenico F. Zubiaga.
Mayor Tanjuatco discussed the significance of helping our katutubos in Sitio Nayon, and how LGU-Tanay continuously supports having clean water, stream water, and toilet facilities for Brgy. Sta. Ines as it is both residential area and a tourist spot where Tanay’s highest peaks, Mt. Pulog and Mt. Irid, are located.
Meanwhile, Director Bagsit recalled the past endeavor in the area particularly the E-Nutribun feeding program under the Community Empowerment Thru Science and Technology (CEST) activities in Tanay. She also extended her gratitude to project partners for their willingness throughout the years.
“After addressing the arsenic problem in Agoncillo (Batangas), we’re now addressing Tanay’s microbiological problem with the utilization of the UPEDS that is mobile and solar-powered. We can now easily monitor and maintain the quality of water that our beneficiaries will consume,” Regional Dir. Bagsit said as she ends her opening message.
On behalf of Dir. Annabelle V. Briones, Deputy Dir. Ang of DOST-ITDI reiterated that UPEDS is not only a disinfection system, but also a safeguard for food and the health of the community. She also expressed her gratitude to the people involved for making the project possible.
Dr. Pascual, University President of URS, extended her commitment to the agreement as she offered the URS’ laboratory services. These can be utilized for monitoring and maintaining the quality of water system in Sitio Nayon.
Lastly, Brgy. Capt. Zubiaga and Vice Mayor Tanjuatco mentioned that LGU Tanay’s strong collaboration with DOST and URS serves as proof to the potential development of Tanay and its residents’ education, food security, and health awareness.
UPEDS is a semi-continuous type, portable, and ready-to-use water treatment facility that can treat 170 liters of surface water per tank/cycle. The system was developed with the goal of addressing the shortage of potable water within communities, especially in times of disaster. This initiative is funded under the DOST-CALABARZON’s CEST Program.#
