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By: Mitchel R. Hernandez
The Automatic Trash Rake (ATR) Facility was turned over to the City of Malabon on May 27, 2022. The event was graced by the presence of Secretary Fortunato T. Dela Peña, Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology, Secretary Jim O. Sampulna, Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and Atty. Voltaire Dela Cruz, City Administrator of Malabon (representing the Honorable Antolin A. Oreta III, Mayor City of Malabon).
The inspiration behind the ATR project is the need to improve the wastewater management system in the Malabon-Navotas-Tullahan-Tinajeros (MaNaTuTi) River System.
The ATR project was designed as a response to the DENR-call EBM's for proposals because of the need to enhance the wastewater management system, particularly in the Malabon-Navotas-Tullahan-Tinejeros (MaNaTuTi) River System.'
The ATR is an alternate strategy intended to enhance flood management by improving rubbish collection. Its mechanical design includes the capacity to raise and clear drainage systems clogged with huge debris along the creek.
The DENR has been consistent in its efforts to address the nation's solid waste management issues. The management of solid waste is one of the DENR's major programs. The DENR Secretary Jim O. Sampulna expressed gratitude to the DOST for implementing the ATR project. “I have high hopes that we would be able to implement the initiative everywhere throughout the Philippines,” Sec. Sampulna remarked.
Atty. Michael Drake P. Matias, Regional Director for DENR-EMB, attributed the ATR project’s success to the partnership that was established between the DOST-MIRDC, the DENR-EMB, and the LGU-Malabon.
Secretary Fortunato T. Dela Peña stated the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as healthy living, sustainable water and sanitation management for everyone, and resilient infrastructure, to name a few that the ATR can help fulfill.
With the turnover, Malabon City acknowledged its responsibility in operating and maintaining the ATR Facility. The installation and operation of ATR in Malabon came at an opportune time as the rainy season has officially started. Using the ATR technology, the project team is optimistic the flooding issues will be finally addressed.
The officials from the collaborating agencies for the ATR project (from left to right): Dr. Al O. Orolfo (Asst. Regional Director for Management Services, DENR), Atty. Michael Drake P. Matias (Regional Director, DENR-EMB) , Sec. Jim O. Sampulna (DENR Secretary), Atty. Voltaire Dela Cruz (City Administrator of Malabon), Dr. Agustin M. Fudolig (Deputy Executive Director for R&D), Mark Mesina (Chief, Malabon CENRO), Sec. Fortunato T. Dela Peña (DOST, Secretary), Engr. Rodnel O. Tamayo (Chief, Prototyping Division), Dir. Jose B. Patalinjug III (Regional Director, DOST-NCR)
