THE ATENEO de Davao University (AdDU) continues to manage the Renewable Energy: Community Desalination Systems (RECoDeS) project in Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi for sustainable potable water access.
During the Habi at Kape on July 10, Christian Mark Labiano of the Mindanao Renewable Energy R&D Center (MREC) said they are currently focused on the desalination setup at Sitangkai and have planned for the project to be finished this year.
Labiano’s team was deployed last November 2023 to handle the project, which aims to provide coastal communities access to clean and fresh water. The project is also in partnership with the Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS from Malaysia, Mindanao State University Tawi-Tawi, and the local government unit.
He explained the desalination setup is solar-powered to store energy and be operational overnight.
“Using our technology, we’re currently working hard for us to increase the yield, in terms of the yield. So we’re developing other technologies, enhancements on the setup on how to increase the yield of our setup,” Labiano said.
Labiano shared they had conducted testing phases at the Island Garden City of Samal. He also said they are seeking more partners, like different institutions in Davao del Norte, to develop the project. MREC also has plans for more renewable energy solutions and to help the seaweed industry in Tawi-Tawi.
According to AdDU Chemistry Department research assistant Joshua Johnn Carballo, the desalination setup was dismantled and will be relocated to a safer area. They are also currently finishing up the project to formally close it and start a new one.
“We wish to continue the RECoDeS, para siyang Phase 2, and then improve the product on our end to increase the yield and to accommodate more people, communities throughout Mindanao,” Carballo said.
