DOST I empowers Community with Potable Water Solutions, deploys SAFEWATRS Technology in Umingan, Pangasinan

To provide a reliable emergency potable water system, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region I, through its Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO) Pangasinan, in collaboration with DOST-Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI), deployed SAFEWATRS Technology on October 2-3, 2024 at the Community Empowerment thru Science & Technology (CEST) Program beneficiary in Brgy. Luna Weste, Umingan, Pangasinan.

This initiative, under DOST’s CEST Projects DANUM (Disinfecting Aqua’s Noxious and Unwanted Microorganism) and NaKaSaGaNa (Naglilinang ng Kahandaan sa Sakuna Gamit ang Napapanahong Teknolohiya), aims to provide a reliable emergency potable water system to the community by equipping them with the latest technologies.

SAFEWATRS, formerly known as UpEDS (Upgraded Emergency Disinfection System), is an innovative solar-powered water purification system developed by DOST-ITDI. It can produce up to 2,000 liters of safe drinking water within nine (9) hours of operation. This technology is designed to ensure access to clean water not only during emergencies such as floods, typhoons, and earthquakes but also in remote areas where potable water is scarce. By providing a reliable source of clean water, SAFEWATRS helps reduce the risk of waterborne diseases and promotes public health and safety in both crisis situations and everyday life.

The event, facilitated by DOST-ITDI experts Dante C. Vergara, Senior Science Research Specialist, Garry A. Diopol, and Marvin P. Mendoza, Science Research Specialists II, was attended by 26 participants from the beneficiary barangay, accompanied by support staff from the Local Government Unit of Umingan, including Mr. Kenneth Estillore from the Mayor’s Office and Mr. Kennedy L. Sonaco from the MDRRMO. The program featured a comprehensive training session on the operation, maintenance, and benefits of the SAFEWATRS system.

The deployment of the SAFEWATRS Technology is expected to provide clean water to at least 25% of Brgy. Luna Weste’s population, or approximately 200 residents. And to ensure its sustainability, the barangay plans to pass a resolution to cover the operational and maintenance costs of the system.

This initiative is part of DOST’s ongoing commitment to empowering communities through science and technology, particularly those in remote areas with limited access to safe water. The successful deployment of SAFEWATRS marks a significant step in improving water access and ensuring public health in the community. DOST I will continue to monitor the system and explore further science and technology collaborations to uplift communities across the region. (𝘊𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘰 𝘙. 𝘙𝘦𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘰𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘎𝘦𝘢𝘮𝘣𝘰𝘺 𝘋. 𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘢 )