Surigao Norte barangay adopts DOST’s iodine-fortified water technology project
By Susil D. Ragas
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SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) – Caraga recently conducted on-site technological assessment of the Tubig Talino project of the Taganito Concern People Consumers’ Cooperative (TACPECCO) in Barangay Taganito, Claver, Surigao del Norte.
TACPECCO is a beneficiary of Taganito Mining Corporation's Social Development and Management Program (SDMP) for the adoption of the Tubig Talino technology, a purified or ordinary potable water mixed with Water Plus 2 to improve the iodine intake of Filipinos resulting in better health.
The technology was developed by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI), of the Department of Science and Technology primarily to address the iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) among Filipinos.
According to the DOST-FNRI, drinking at least five glasses of Tubig Talino a day provides 33 percent of the daily recommended energy and nutrient intake (RENI) of iodine in adults.
Noteworthy is iodine’s characteristic as an effective, simple, and cost-efficient means of water disinfection especially in areas where municipal water treatment is not reliable, such as Barangay Taganitto due to rampant mining practices in the said area, placing the residents at risk and in dilemma.
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Thus, the assessment made by DOST-13 promoted and addressed the details about the Tubig Talino technology project, to gauge the cooperative’s interest of being the adopter of the said technology, as it empowered the cooperative to comply with all the health and safety requirements, and to improve and maximize its services and become the first Tubig Talino provider in Caraga region.
DOST - Surigao del Norte provincial director Mariel P. Makinano said, “Technology needs assessment and good manufacturing practices validation are part of the project protocol transfer based on a set of criteria that includes organization premises, plant construction and design, equipment, sanitation and hygiene, production and process control, quality control, storage and distribution, and product recall and retention of samples."
Dir. Makinano further called on nearby MSMEs to take advantage of this government project saying, “The technology is made available to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), particularly those operating water refilling station businesses, under the commercialization category of technology transfer as an extra business opportunity at a very low cost.”
"With this, DOST holds great optimism that TACPECCO will emerge as a catalyst for the widespread adoption of Tubig Talino technology in the region. We are also inviting our capable MSMEs in the province to become our technology adopters, increase its revenue, and contribute a significant difference to our community," Makinano added.
On the other hand, TACPECCO is an emerging cooperative for water refilling stations that began its operation in 2018, with 74 members, as assisted by Taganito Mining Corporation through its Social Development and Management Program.
The Tubig Talino Technology project of DOST-13 fulfills the commitment of the government on ensuring better health of the citizenry. This is also an affirmation that the right to safe and clean drinking water is inclusive and should outweigh the arguments on profit and progress. (RLE/SDR, PIA-Surigao del Norte)
