Philippines Introduce Silver Ceramics Water Filter At Resettlement Sites

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 16 (PIA) — The ceramics water filter is being introduced by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) as part of its assistance to tropical storm Sendong survivors. A demonstration/field testing was recently conducted at Calaanan Tent City and Lumbia Resettlement Area, Cagayan de Oro City. The demonstration was headed by DOST-10 assistant director Jacinto Taran, Sr. and facilitated by Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI) Representatives Josefina Celorico and Edmar Casa.

Colloidal Silver

The technology applies a water purification system (WPS) by using ceramic filters developed by the ITDI, an agency of the DOST. The system was first tested in Muntinlupa City last year in collaboration with the National Housing Authority and was found to be effective in preventing water-borne diseases brought by the micro-organism E.coli bacteria that causes diarrhea.

The ceramic water filter is primarily developed for the people in remote areas that have problems with safe drinking water. One unit of the ceramic water filter costs P400 and lasts for about three years, which is therefore affordable for the target consumers.

"It is also an easy-to-use water filter shaped like a pot and placed at the top of a water container. It is made of red clay which is covered with nano-colloidal silver which acts as the anti-microbial agent that helps prevent water-borne diseases," said DOST-10 regional director Alfonso Alamban.

Several clay samples from the region were tested and one in Bulua, Cagayan de Oro city has been found to be appropriate for the production of the clay water filters. Interested individuals and entrepreneurs are being encouraged to adopt the technology and to mass-produce the clay water filters, Alamban stressed.

"The purpose of this demonstration is to provide a safe source of drinking water to the victims of Sendong. Since there are problems in water sources, and some have high contamination, providing this type of cheap filtration system, therefore, is a big help to them,” said ARD Taran. (Zendelyn Navarro/Tess Superioridad Baluyos/DOST/PIA 10)