News—SVD Farm and DOST Cavite partner up for Waste Analysis & Characterization Study (WACS) training-workshop
Tagaytay City—The SVD Laudato Si’ Farm, in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology Cavite (DOST-CAVITE) and Department of Science and Technology-Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI) hosted a two-day SMEIDFI-Training-Workshop on Waste Analysis & Characterization Study (WACS) last July 11 to 12, 2024, at the St. Peter Fishpond and Gazebo.
The workshop featured a roster of esteemed facilitators from DOST-ITDI—Engr. Johnemma Chuanaya, Engr. Joven Barcelo, Maria Theresa Artuz, Aleli C. Plete, and Myra L. Tansengco. (Engr. Chuanaya, Engr. Joven, Ms. Artuz, and Ms. Plete, are designated as Science Research Specialist II, while Ms. Tansengco is designated as Supervising Science Research Specialist.)
The participants of the workshop included delegates from the SVD Farm, the Divine Word School of Theology (DWST), and the Divine Word Institute of Mission Studies (DWIMS), as well as delegates from the Canossa House of Spirituality Tagaytay, Philippine Christian University (PCU) Dasmariñas, Ma-ma's Hope Haven of Norway, Sisters of Mary School Silang, Caritas Manila, SMEIDFI-Bukid Kabataan, Union Theological Seminary (UTS) Dasmariñas, and Boneo Hauling Services.
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The morning of the first day began with the opening program, led by the opening prayer and welcome address by Mr. Juan Miguel Ala-Tolentino, Corporate Communications Department Head of the SVD Farm.
Participants shared their training expectations and underwent a pre-test conducted by Ms. Plete. The resource persons were then introduced, leading into the training proper.
Engr. Chuayana discussed the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 (R.A. 9003) and the Extended Producer Responsibility Act of 2022 (R.A. 11898). Afterwards, Engr. Barcelo discussed the sources, components, bulk density, and characterization of solid waste.
Ms. Tansengco then led a session about the concept of generator-based WACS. Afterwards, a segregation exercise was led by Engr. Barcelo. Ms. Artuz then led a talk about health and safety protocols in handling solid waste, followed by Engr. Chuayana covering the topic of end-of-pipe WACS techniques.
The day concluded with reminders for the next day and the checking of the area and tools for the WACS dry-run by the facilitators.
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The second day started with a recap of the previous day’s activities, facilitated by Ms. Plete.
The WACS dry-run, at the SVD Tagaytay Community’s waste collection area, was led by Ms. Tansengco and Engr. Barcelo providing instructions and designating team members. Participants received PPE and materials courtesy of DOST Cavite and the SVD Farm, alongside the ITDI team.
The WACS "is an important tool for us to know how much waste we generate, what its components are, and how much we will be able to recycle," Engr. Barcelo explained.
Afterwards, the participants returned to the St. Peter Fishpond and Gazebo, with Engr. Chuayana facilitating the discussion of the WACS dry-run data. Afterwards, Ms. Artuz discussed the creation of the WACS plan.
Ms. Tansengco, Ms. Artuz, and Engr. Barcelo then discussed various solid waste management technologies, including composting, portable biogas, and plastics recycling.
The two-day training-workshop concluded with a post-test conducted by Engr. Chuayana, the presentation on the services and programs provided by DOST Cavite by PSTO Cavite, and an evaluation session led by Ms. Plete.
Mr. Tolentino delivered the closing remarks, bringing the event to a close.
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"Thank you for taking the time to welcome us and host our event here at the SVD Farm. Thank you to the SVD Tagaytay Community for your hospitality, as well as for your delicious food. I hope that we will be able to have future collaborations and partnerships with (you)," said Ms. Daigan in an interview.
"We hope that the insights gained from this training will contribute to better waste management practices at the SVD Farm and beyond," Engr. Barcelo said. "Thank you very much for inviting us to share knowledge about the proper management of solid waste," he concluded.
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For reservations and other information, including ways to support and connect with the SVD Farm, contact us through:
📞 0905-106-5499
📧 contact@svdlaudatosifarmfoundation.org