DOST, DENR’s Solution to Collection of Solid Wastes in Rivers Gains Congressman’s Support
by Kai H. Negado
“Makakaasa po kayo, maglalaan po tayo ng pondo dahil isa ‘yan sa mga pinangako namin ni Mayor - na hahanapan namin ng solusyon ‘yung water hyacinths,” Congressman Emigdio Tanjuatco III after witnessing the collector system in action during its demo run held at Cardona, Rizal on 14 November 2024.
Rep. Emigdio Tanjuatco III, 2nd District of Rizal delivering his message during the Floating Solid Waste Collector System demo run in Cardona, Rizal.
Launched in June 2024 at the Pasig River Esplanade during the Philippine Environment Month celebration, the Floating Solid Waste Collector System is seen to address problems with clogged waterways caused by solid wastes.
Developed by the DOST-Metals Industry Research and Development (DOST-MIRDC) in partnership with the DENR-Environmental Management Bureau NCR (DENR-EMB NCR), this technology will not only improve the environment but also provide livelihood opportunities to fisherfolk and producers of usable materials and products from water hyacinths.
Project Leader Engr. Rodnel O. Tamayo of DOST-MIRDC presented the technology’s specifications, emphasizing its efficiency in harvesting 8 cubic feet of waste within 1.5 to 2 minutes at one full capacity of operation. He also mentioned that before the project ends, the prototype will be turned over to the DENR-EMB. The EMB will then turn it over to a local government unit in the National Capital Region that they will identify in the coming weeks.
A few more weeks to go before the said turnover of the collector system prototype, Cardona Mayor Bernardo San Juan, Jr. and Congressman Tanjuatco requested that the team clears Cardona’s side of Laguna Lake of water hyacinth and solid trash. Following the harvester technology’s impressive performance in the demo run, the project team readily agreed and gave their commitment to harvest the water hyacinth in December 2024.
The Floating Solid Waste Collector System in action during the demo run on 14 November 2024 at Cardona, Rizal.
With the demo run successfully showing that the locally designed and developed floating solid waster collector system indeed works and meets expectations, and with the commitment of support from Congressman Tanjuatco, communities along coastal areas and equipment fabrication businesses can look forward to the technology’s meaningful technology transfer and commercialization journey.
For more information and updates about DOST-MIRDC’s technologies, visit our official website https://mirdc.dost.gov.ph/ and Facebook page www.facebook.com/dostmirdc. For partnership opportunities on R&D, send an official request through email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
