Tarlac IP community gets water treatment system

An indigenous community in Barangay Moriones here received a mobile water treatment system from the Department of Science and Technology (DoST).

The P1.27-million Safe Water Treatment System (SAFEWTRS) Emergency Disinfection Machine was installed by DoST in Sitio Socorro’s Abelling tribe to ensure its residents get potable water.

It was funded under the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) program.

DoST Provincial Director Karen Dañez said SAFEWTRS is a solar-powered, manually operated, and compact mobile water treatment system that can generate at least 200 liters of potable water per hour.

She said DoST will continue to provide solutions to community problems through technological breakthroughs and innovation.

“Some of our communities here in the province still lack access to clean water, hence, this project was conceptualized. This project is essential in building healthy individuals which is a cornerstone of a progressive community,” Dañez added.

The technology, also useful in isolated locations with limited water supply, is equipped with a battery system that can supply needed electricity.

It addresses the issue of lack of clean drinking water during disasters such as typhoons, floods and earthquakes.

Prior to the members of the Abelling tribe, the DoST turned over a similar water system to San Clemente town and is set to provide another unit to Bamban town within the year.

The CEST program facilitates the transfer of technologies to identified communities along the areas of education, health and nutrition, water and sanitation, disaster risk reduction, and industry development or livelihood.