Maynilad partners with DOST to develop waste-to-energy solutions through the DOST-Balik Scientist Program

by Info @Brand Zone | Sep. 21, 2024

West Zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (Maynilad) teamed up with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to explore waste-to-energy solutions, particularly in converting biosolids — an organic byproduct of Maynilad’s wastewater treatment process—into biogas.

This partnership, which emerged from Maynilad’s participation in the DOST’s “Balik Scientist Program,” involved tapping the expertise of returning Filipino scientist Dr. Mario Rebosura to help assess and pilot technologies that can transform biosolids into a source of renewable energy.

Maynilad is the first water utility to participate in the DOST-Balik Scientist Program, a government initiative aimed at promoting the exchange of scientific knowledge and advancing technology in the country. The program encourages Filipino scientists to return to the Philippines and share their expertise, enhancing the development of various sectors, including health research and development.

During his six-month stint with Maynilad under the program, Dr. Rebosura shared innovative approaches in biosolids management to fine-tune Maynilad’s ongoing study of waste-to-energy technologies. This collaboration supported Maynilad’s goal of reducing the environmental impact of biosolid disposal while also providing opportunities for energy generation.

“As part of our commitment to environmental stewardship, Maynilad constantly seeks ways to reduce waste and promote circular economy principles. This partnership with the DOST allowed us to address the challenge of biosolid disposal while tapping into renewable energy solutions, which can benefit both our operations and the environment,” said Maynilad President and CEO Ramoncito S. Fernandez.

The DOST’s Balik Scientist Program played a pivotal role by linking Maynilad with Filipino scientists who have gained specialized expertise abroad. “We are excited about the potential of this project to contribute to the country’s renewable energy goals. This collaboration with Maynilad underscores the critical role of science in overcoming key challenges in the water sector.  Indeed, through science and technology, we can provide solutions and open opportunities for the Filipino people,” said DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr.

No-build zone policy, ipatutupad sa Davao de Oro

ni Eli San Miguel - Trainee @News | February 11, 2024

Nangako si Davao de Oro Governor Dorothy Montejo Gonzaga na ipatutupad ang no-build zone policy sa mga mapanganib na lugar na tinukoy ng Project NOAH matapos ang nakamamatay na landslide sa Maco, ayon sa pahayag ng provincial government ngayong Linggo.

Binigyang-diin ni Edward Macapili, isang executive assistant sa Davao de Oro, na mahalaga na ipatupad ang polisiya dahil itinuturing ang buong probinsya bilang isang ‘mining area.’

Itinuturing ang Project NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards) bilang isang integradong programa sa pagsugpo at pag-iwas sa sakuna ng Department of Science and Technology (DOST). Isa sa mga bahagi nito ang pagtukoy ng mga eksaktong lugar na may mataas na posibilidad ng pagguho ng lupa.

Noong Martes ng gabi, isang landslide ang tumama sa garahe ng isang bus company, barangay hall, at residential areas sa Zone 1 Barangay Masara sa bayan ng Maco.

Naunang ibinunyag ni Macapili na idineklarang no-build zone ang lugar kung saan naganap ang landslide.

Namatay ang 30 katao dahil sa insidente, habang 77 naman ang patuloy na nawawala.

Mga gusali, patibayin laban sa lindol — DOST

ni Eli San Miguel - Trainee @News | December 12, 2023

Sinabi ng Department of Science and Technology (DOST) ngayong Martes, na kailangang ipagpatuloy ang pagpapatibay ng mga bahay at gusali na itinayo ilang taon na ang nakakaraan upang mabawasan ang posibleng bilang ng mga madidisgrasya mula sa mga lindol.

"We need to strengthen our building preparedness, and that is where the solution would lie on the potential number of casualty – kailangang patibayin para kumonti pa ang maapektuhan," pahayag ni DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr.

Sinabi rin ni Solidum na kailangan ng patuloy na kampanya sa impormasyon dahil kailangan din magkaroon ng kaalaman ng mga kabataan.

Samantala, ipinaliwanag ni Solidum na ang bilang ng lindol na yumanig sa bansa noong 2023 ay lumagpas sa bilang ng lindol na naranasan dahil sa mga aftershocks.

"If you count the aftershocks, yes. But there are sometimes years where we have major earthquake events, and major earthquake events would trigger a lot of aftershocks," aniya.

Bukod dito, sinabi rin ni Solidum na epekto ng lindol ang mahalagang usapin, na binigyang diin ang mga pagyanig sa Mindanao na hindi nagdulot ng "significant casualties.”