THREE units of portable household biogas digesters will be used by the City Government of San Fernando as the Pampanga State Agricultural University (PSAU) partnered with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Central Luzon to install and conduct sub-project of pilot testing of the said facilities in the city.
Mayor Edwin Santiago together with PSAU president Honario Soriano, Jr., PSAU director of Organic Farm Dr. Norman De Jesus, and DOST Pampanga provincial director Michelle Quiambao signed a memorandum of agreement.
In an interview, Soriano discussed the functions of the household biogas digester which was developed by DOST and fabricated by PSAU that converts biodegradable wastes in to gas that can be used in a single-burner gas stove.
“The biogas digester aims to lessen dependence on conventional energy, like liquefied petroleum gas and for consumers to reduce the problem of ecological solid waste management and climate change. The digester could be used for cooking or anything that requires energy,” he said.
The DOST, being a member of the City Solid Waste Management Board, selected the City of San Fernando as their recipient to conduct the pilot testing in the City Composting Center and to help in reducing organic wastes.
For her part, City Environment and Natural Resources officer Regina Rodriguez stated that the initiative of the local government is to find innovative ways and technology in achieving environmental campaigns.
“The city wants to reduce waste so we are looking for ways to divert solid waste and residuals. Through this pilot testing of household biogas digester we will be able to see if the portable biogas digest will suit the need of the city,” Rodriguez said in an interview.
Meanwhile, Santiago expressed his gratitude to PSAU and DOST-Central Luzon for choosing the City of San Fernando for the said project. He believes that this will be truly be helpful to the city in achieving total zero waste.
“This will be a big help for us to maintain cleanliness and in our solid waste management program. With our partners, we will always think of ways to create such projects,” he said.
The project duration of the household biogas digester is one year. (PR)