Did you know that in the Philippines, current statistics (NSO) show that 20 per cent of our population have no access to potable water, 432 municipalities have less than 50% service coverage (waterless municipalities), and about 6,000 premature deaths a year are caused by water-borne diseases? And we are not alone in this situation for many people in various parts of the world have to contend with problems on water scarcity, water pollution, and accessibility to potable drinking water. All these we have to experience despite the fact that the earth is made up of over 70 per cent water.
Responding to the urgent need for potable water in several areas in the country, Secretary Mario G. Montejo instructed all DOST regional offices and the ITDI or Industrial Technology Development Institute to join hands and roll out nationwide the DOST-developed ceramic water filter.
The ITDI-developed ceramic-based water filter can remove contaminants in drinking water, making them perfect for home use. Three models were developed, two pot-type ceramic water filters of 6.5 and 1.5 L capacity; and the latest edition, the candle type water filter.
“The filter is made from red clay, and we added nano (very, very small or minutest) antimicrobial agent that can eliminate water-borne microorganisms,” said Supervising Science Research Specialist and lead researcher Josefina Celorico.
The ceramic filter is lodged in a plastic container with a faucet at the bottom for collection of the filtered water. The ceramic filters are easy to install and maintain, and reasonably priced. According to Celorico, production cost per piece for the candle type water filter is P80.00, and while the pot type amounts to around P190.00. “At this point, we had established the ceramic filters’ flow rate at 2-3 L/hour,” she added.
Both types of water filter can purify tap water, deep well water, and raw water (from ponds and spring). Through the filters, safe, potable drinking water is readily available and accessible even in remote areas.
The filtered water passed the Philippine National Standard or PNS for drinking water in both tests/counts for Coliform and Escherichia coli, the most common water borne disease-causing microorgnanisms.
Moreover, the ceramic water filters have also undergone field testing at National Housing Authority households in Muntinlupa City and Cagayan de Oro City. Feedback from user are positive: “nagagamit sa pagluluto,” “masarap ang lasa ng tubig,” “nakatipid sa pagbili ng mineral water,” “maayos,” “walang problema,” “kailangan maingat sa paglinis” (it can be used in cooking, the water from the filter tastes good, we saved from buying mineral water, it is orderly, we did not encounter problems, need to be careful in cleaning).
To speed up the rolling-out of the technology, ITDI produced 10,000 pieces of candle type ceramic water filters. “We sought the cooperation of the LGUs, NGOs, and pottery owners who are now our partners in implementing this project,” ITDI Director Nuna Almanzor said. The filters were forwarded to communities with less access to potable drinking water. The project is spearheaded by DOST Region 1 and the ITDI with the support of all DOST regional offices. As of press time, roll- out activities are going on in the regions. Further, ITDI is testing clay samples from all regions to find the best suitable material for the water filters. Consultative meetings and assessment are conducted with interested groups or possible adopters. Clay materials have to pass the physical property tests, including water absorption, porosity, shrinkage, bulk density, temperature and flow rate for ceramic water filters. Clay from Regions 1 (Ilocos Sur), III (Tarlac and Aurora), V (Camarines Sur and Sorsogon), VIII (Leyte, Aklan), X (Cagayan de Oro), and XII (South Cotabato) passed said tests and considered as potential materials. Testing is still ongoing in other regions. DOST Region 3 conducted training in Arayat, Pampanga using Tarlac clay and produced 250 pieces of 1.5 liter capacity filters. The finished products will be distributed to identified beneficiaries in the region. Meanwhile, a Memorandum of Agreement was forged with a possible technology adopter in Cagayan de Oro City. Another potential adopter in Vigan, Ilocos Sur , meanwhile, rehabilitated his kiln.
Reports say that water-borne diseases such as diarrhea and dysentery are often caused by contaminants such as microorganisms and particulates (solid particles) present in tap and ground water. Often, to avoid getting contaminated, people are forced to buy commercially sold bottled water, adding up to their expenses and causing more damage to an already very tight budget. The project aims to significantly contribute in attaining the Philippine Millennium Development Goal (MDG) of increasing the country’s accessibility rate to potable water of 82.9% in 2007 to 86.6% in 2016.
For those who are interested, please contact Dr. Nuna E. Almazor, Director, Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI), DOST Cmpd., Gen. Santos Ave., Bicutan, Taguig City at tel. no. 837-2071 to 82 local 2215, telefax 837-3167, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You may also contact Ms. Elsa Chan, Director, DOST Regional Office No. 1, DMMSU, CET Campus, San Fernando, La at telefax no. (072) 700-2372 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You may also visit the nearest DOST regional/provincial office. (by: Violy Balaoing Conoza /With reports from JCelorico, DGotis, & CCandelaria)
Written by: Violy Balaoing Conoza
Thursday, 03 October 2013 01:29