DOST VI, PIChE-Panay conduct training on operation of portable biogas digester
The Department of Science and Technology Regional Office VI (DOST VI) and Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers (PIChE) Panay Chapter conducted the training on the operation of the portable biogas digester last January 14, 2009 at the DOST VI Conference Room.
The training aims to provide understanding to the participants and for them to be able to perform activities needed to operate a portable biogas digester. The training was also conducted vis-à-vis the objectives of the regional office in presenting the thrusts of DOST VI in assisting the needs of the community through S&T interventions.
Engr. Rowen R. Gelonga, Regional Director of DOST VI delivered the Opening Remarks and also took the opportunity to invite the participants to engage in entrepreneurship through the assistance that DOST VI provides for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME’s).
The said training was divided into two parts, Part 1 was a lecture-discussion through a powerpoint presentation by Engr, Chamaigne Jamandre, President of PIChE Panay and the project proponent.
She emphasized that the Portable Biogas Digester is a technology on converting organic materials (e.g. manure, kitchen wastes) into biogas (can be used as fuel for cooking) and fertilizer. The digester was shown to be user friendly, because of the ease in operating, and beneficial, since the raw materials (biodegradable solid wastes) are free and available and the products can be used as fuel and soil conditioner. Part 2 of the activity however, was an actual demonstration on feeding, gas collection, data recording, and flame test held at the pilot project site in Seguiban Publishing House, La Paz, Iloilo City. It was spearheaded by Engr. Elsa Seguiban, who is in-charge of operating the initial project which was deployed in her place. The participants were able to learn that indeed the operation of producing biogas and fertilizer is easy and convenient.
The training was attended by 18 participants, mostly from the invited target beneficiaries from Brgy. Magsaysay in La Paz, Gawad Kalinga (Janiuay site), and from Gawad Kalinga (San Isidro site). The rest are from WVCST and from PIChE Panay. Basing from their responses during the lively discussion and open forum that transpired, almost all are interested and anticipating the project start up in their respective sites. The project start up will begin as soon as the completed fabrication of the equipment will be completed and the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the project proponent and beneficiaries.
For more queries on the portable biogas digester or any of the DOST programs and projects, please contact telephone numbers 508-7183, 320-0093, 320-0907 and 320-0908. Interested parties may also visit the Regional Office at Magsaysay Village, La Paz, Iloilo City. (DOST VI)