TARLAC CITY (PIA) -- Department of Science and Technology (DOST) signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the municipal government of Mayantoc in Tarlac for the provision of an in-vessel rotary composter.
 
The project worth P568,500 will be funded by the Project Municipal Innovation through Science and Technology (MIST) of DOST.
 
Provincial Director Karen Dañez said this will upgrade the waste management system of the town particularly in the public market.
 
"Through the project, the municipality of Mayantoc aims to demonstrate a model waste management system for its public market through the provision of an in-vessel composter that will replace the manual composting method they are currently using," Dañez explained.
 
This can process up to 600 to 700 kilograms of biodegradable wastes in five to six days, reducing odor and vermin attraction. 
 
Organic fertilizer, as the end-product, will be used for the greening program of the town and can also be sold to existing buyers of compost. 
 
For her part, Mayor Julie Icmat expressed her appreciation to DOST.
 
“Adoption of strategies that will help preserve and protect our environment is among our priority programs. We are grateful that this is in line with DOST’s aim to provide science-based solutions to community problems," Icmat said.
 
As first of its kind in Central Luzon, Project MIST is a collaborative effort of DOST Tarlac, provincial government of Tarlac and its local government units (LGUs) in partnership with Tarlac State University and Philippine Information Agency. 
 
It targets to bring substantial science and technology innovations closer to the people with the active involvement of LGUs. (CLJD/GLSB-PIA 3)