Participants posing with the end-product of the plastic densifier
Some 15 personnel from LGU-Tampilisan successfully completed a hands-on training on the use, operation, and maintenance of bioreactor and plastic densifier technologies last 23-26 January 2023 in Tampilisan, Zamboanga del Norte.
The four-day training activity was organized by the Department of Science and Technology – IX through its Provincial Science and Technology Office in Zamboanga del Norte (PSTO-ZDN) in cooperation with DOST’s Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI). Experts from ITDI namely Engr. Pierre Jordan Mendoza, Engr. Benjamin Santos, and Ms. Joannalene Tuazon served as resource persons and trainers.
Participants listening to the lecture of the resource speaker
Mr. Al Rey M. Catubig, MENRO-designate of LGU-Tampilisan, said they are very happy that DOST has prioritized their municipality in the deployment of these technologies. “Now, we can properly and efficiently manage our collected solid wastes and convert them into compost and bricks”, he said.
He added the implementation of these technologies will improve their solid waste management program and shall bring about significant changes in Tampilisan through the support of its local officials. He further stated the municipality will now be able to reduce the volume of solid waste and turn them into useful products.
Tampilisan is a 4th class municipality located in the province of Zamboanga del Norte. Like most municipalities in the country, Tampilisan also faces serious concerns about solid waste management. In the past, the municipality struggled to properly dispose of its solid wastes collected from the communities. This led to the accumulation of collected garbage, which poses serious environmental and health hazards.
Actual Hands-on Training
The training activity is part of a package of interventions provided by DOST-IX to LGU-Tampilisan through a project entitled “Upgrading the Solid Waste Management Program of LGU Tampilisan through Adoption of Bioreactor and Plastic Densifier Technologies.” The project was funded by DOST’s Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) with total funding assistance amounting to P2,005,000.00.
The project funded the acquisition of key equipment such as 1-ton capacity bioreactor and plastic densifier. Both technologies were developed by DOST-ITDI. Bioreactor converts biodegradable waste into organic compost, which can be used as a soil conditioner for urban gardening or farming. It uses an inoculant to break down organic matter in solid wastes and hasten the decomposition process.
Plastic densifier, on the other hand, processes non-biodegradable waste such as plastic cellophane and Styrofoam into usable flower pots and decorative blocks.
Participants posing with resource persons, trainers, and DOST Personnel
SETUP is a flagship program of the DOST that provides innovation funds and technical support to small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and LGUs.
For more information about DOST programs, please call PSTO-ZDN at (065) 908-0117 or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/DOSTRegion9. (MVJBaliña/ DOST IX Press Release)
