DOST Region 1 Acts to Secure Safe and Sustainable Water for Communities in Ilocos Norte

Clean water is a basic human right and a shared responsibility. As part of its commitment to promoting safe and sustainable communities, the Department of Science and Technology Region 1 (DOST Region 1) , through its Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) program, recently spearheaded water sampling activities in various areas of Ilocos Norte.

The sampling was conducted at Paoay Lake, particularly in Brgy. Nanguyudan and Suba, as well as in the barangays of Gareta, Alagoog, Caraitan, Madupayas, and Camanga in Badoc. The activity was carried out in close coordination with the Sanitary Engineer and personnel from the City Health Office of LGU Badoc, along with Engr. Glenna Mae Cabilan, CEST Focal Person, and Ms. Jasmine Ericka Maguas, RMT, MPH, of the DOST Region I Regional Standards and Testing Laboratory (RSTL).

DOST Region 1 collected a total of two (2) environmental water samples from Paoay Lake, which underwent four (4) types of analysis. In addition, eight ( 8 ) water samples were tested for ninety (90) chemical parameters, while thirteen (13) samples underwent fifty-two (52) microbial analyses—amounting to total technical assistance valued at P89,400.

This initiative serves as a vital step in ensuring the safety and quality of water sources in the communities. The data generated will aid in assessing water potability and identifying opportunities for the deployment of appropriate DOST water-related technologies.

Through science-based interventions like these, DOST Region 1 remains steadfast in its mission to safeguard public health and foster sustainable, evidence-driven development in the countryside.

Because every drop counts, and every community deserves water they can trust. (GLENNA MAE L. CABILAN)