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SILAKI ISLAND, a heart-shaped 10-hectare islet located at Brgy. Binabalian, Bolinao, Pangasinan is renowned as a marine conservation haven, home to a thriving 16-hectare population of giant clams. The beauty of the ocean surrounds Silaki Island, but beneath its natural beauty and marine biodiversity lies a pressing challenge: a scarcity of freshwater. To access potable water, island residents like Mr. Brando Padilla, a member of the Bolinao Task Force Bantay Dagat, often travel on a 15-20 minute boat journey to Santiago Island. The arduous task, combined with additional fuel costs and weather risks, emphasizes the pressing need for a sustainable water solution.
𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬: The Department of Science and Technology Region 1 (DOST-1) has taken a significant step in providing a sustainable and renewable source of freshwater for the island’s community through the launch of the solar-powered water desalination facility on October 22, 2024, under the DOST’s Community Empowerment thru Science & Technology (CEST) Program.
Dr. Teresita A. Tabaog, Regional Director of DOST 1, highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in making the desalination project a success. The project was made possible with the support of various partners, the DOST 1 CEST Program funded the Solar-Powered Water Desalination System: the LGU of Bolinao, which provided the 100-square-meter lot area and construction of the building, and the Rotary Club of Bolinao, which donated water gallons to the residents. Dr. Tabaog emphasized the crucial role of community involvement, stating, “𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙪𝙘𝙘𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙟𝙚𝙘𝙩 𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙥𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙎𝙞𝙡𝙖𝙠𝙞 𝙄𝙨𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨.” She expressed gratitude to the community for their cooperation and support.
Engr. Arnold C. Santos, Provincial Director of the Provincial Science and Technology Office in Pangasinan, explained that the desalination facility is a direct response to the community’s urgent need for clean water, as identified in a needs assessment conducted in March 2023. The project aims to provide a reliable water source, eliminating the need for residents to travel long distances and spend significant amounts on water.
“𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙖 𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙜𝙞𝙛𝙩 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝘿𝙊𝙎𝙏 1,” remarked Hon. Alfonso F. Celeste, Mayor of Bolinao, Pangasinan. He emphasized the significance of this first-of-its-kind solar-powered desalination facility in the region, particularly for Silaki Island. The mayor urged the community to cherish this vital resource and ensure its long-term sustainability.
To ensure the safety and quality of the water processed in the desalination facility, the water has undergone rigorous testing by Hydrolab Company, a reputable water testing laboratory accredited by the Department of Health and recognized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Dignitaries were the first to drink the desalinated water, setting an example for the community and demonstrating its safety and purity.
Hon. Rufo T. Caasi Sr., Brgy. Captain of Binabalian, and Engr. Olan Roy Celzo, Waterworks System Superintendent I of LGU Bolinao, pledged the local government’s commitment to maintaining and operating the desalination facility. They expressed hope for future innovations and projects that would further improve the lives of their beloved community.
𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬: Dr. Tabaog envisions a future where the desalination process can yield additional benefits. She highlighted the potential for salt production using the brine byproduct. Mayor Celeste echoed Dr. Tabaog’s sentiments, expressing surprise at the nation’s heavy reliance on imported salt. This shortage has resulted in a heavy reliance on salt imports, with over 93% of the country’s annual salt consumption coming from countries like Australia and China.
Through a strong partnership between DOST 1, the Provincial Government of Pangasinan, LGU Bolinao, and the Rotary Club of Bolinao, Pangasinan will truly live up to its name, “panag-asin-an,” as a place where salt is made. Dr. Teresita Tabaog emphasized the crucial role of collaboration, stating, “𝙒𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙖𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙚𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙪𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙨. 𝘾𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙗𝙚 𝙠𝙚𝙮 𝙩𝙤 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙨𝙪𝙘𝙘𝙚𝙨𝙨.” ( 𝘉𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘯 𝘑𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯 𝘗. 𝘎𝘶𝘦𝘷𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘢 )
