CAMIGUIN (PIA)--In line with the aim of keeping the island clean and using natural resources sustainably, the Provincial Government of Camiguin, in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), will build an Eco-Friendly Septic System (ECO-SEP) Facility.

DOST turned over the project funds to the provincial government under the leadership of Gov. Xavier Jesus D. Romualdo, June 5.

The ECO-SEP is a technology developed by Dr. Merlinda Palencia of Adamson University and funded by the DOST Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD).

It is a self-sustaining and portable wastewater treatment system that uses an innovative combination of bio-stimulation and filtration.

The ECOSEP system is designed to treat wastewater from households, resorts, and other establishments. The system offers a non-toxic way to treat odors generated by wastewater and solid waste.

The deployed Eco-Sep system will contain Vigormin, an organomineral that is a low-cost, non-toxic way to neutralize odors from wastewater and solid waste such as that found in landfill sites, fishing ports, and materials recovery facilities. Vigormin is a mixture of naturally occurring organic minerals that stimulates the growth of indigenous aerobic microorganisms in wastewater and boosts the rate at which organic pollutants are removed.

Romualdo assured that PGO Camiguin will continue to support this project to sustain ecotourism on the island. This will help the tourism development of Mantigue Island without adversely affecting water quality or the environment.

Around 180,000 tourists per year are expected to indirectly benefit from this project, based on the data provided. The facility will be installed on Mantigue Island, Mahinog, Camiguin. The estimated full completion of the project will be in May 2024.

This project under the Local Grant-in-Aid is one of the six projects of DOST in Camiguin for 2023. (DOST-10/PIA-10/Camiguin)