August 13, 2018

SYNERGY and convergence have made possible the application of new technology to address the community’s basic need, as Third District Representative Alfredo Benitez brought together the Department of Science and Technology, Technological University of the Philippines in the Visayas, and the Western Visayas Consortium for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development.

BACOLOD. Third District Representative Alfredo Benitez opens the faucet for the water to flow from the reservoir tank. Witnessing the ceremonial launch are TUPV director Eric Malooy (right), and DOST-6 director Rowen Gelonga, Murcia Mayor Andrew Montelibano (left), with barangay and purok officials, and the beneficiaries. (Contributed Photo)

Eleven households in Sitio Mirasol, Barangay Caliban in Murcia town now have an access to water following the installation of the solar-powered water system in their community. The pilot implementation was started in February this year.

On August 10, the turnover of the Small Capacity Solar PV Pumping System and Model Unit was formalized with the presence of Benitez, Murcia Mayor Andrew Montelibano, DOST-6 director Rowen Gelonga, TUPV campus director Eric Malooy, Caliban Punong Barangay Antonio Luis Gonzaga and Purok President Rizalde Melchor.

Benitez, in his message, urged the community to take care of the project by cooperating and coordinating closely to safeguard the facility, as he looks at ways and means to replicate the project in similar areas where water is a scarce resource.

He cites the use of new technology for Asenso and lauds the support of agencies involved as well as the local government and the barangay leaders.

Also cited was the assistance of a non-government entity, the Aid Foundation Inc. represented by its head Auke Idzenga that installed a water filter to ensure that the water is potable.

Twenty-five more households in the surrounding have also access to the water system. The beneficiaries are happy that they no longer have to go down a very steep slope, which is slippery when it rains, to reach the river, some 55 meters away from most houses.

In the report submitted by TUPV research head engineer Ace Zander Antonio, the solar panel installed has a capacity of 300 watts that powers the submersible pump installed in the nearby river to pump up 1,000 liters per hour to a water reservoir.

The technology and fund source is the DOST-6, the study made by the consortium, and the TUPV implemented the project.

The office of Benitez provided the coordination assistance and linkage to ensure the implementation flow. (PR)