PSME, Mandaue agree to build biogas digestor at relocation site

CEBU, Philippines - Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes yesterday signed a memorandum of agreement with the Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers (PSME)-Mandaue Chapter for the installation of a technology that would process human wastes into energy in the 6.5-hectare relocation site in barangay Paknaan.

The Paknaan relocation site is now the new home to 1,200 beneficiaries who used to live in riverbanks.

The PSME-Mandaue will still conduct a feasibility study before the project is endorsed to the City Engineer’s Office and the city council.

The MOA stipulates that the design will be undertaken by PSME with no cost to the city government and once the project will be turned over, its maintenance and repair will be shouldered by the homeowners association with the assistance of the LGU.

The project is a biogas digestor, the technology that processes human waste and other biodegradable wastes to produce methane gas, which can then be used for lighting, cooking fuel, gas heater, and water heaters.

PSME has assured the project is safe and was already tested in General Santos City.

Engr. Fabio Senica Jr. said he put up a biogas digestor in General Santos in 2007. He said the project cost P8 million.

Senica has assured the technology is safe.

It consists of a bio-electric genser and fermentation chamber where wastes are processed for 15 to 30 days to produce methane gas and liquid fertilizer.

However, PSME is yet to determine the cost of the project.  

Joemarie Arib, PSME-Mandaue president, said the organization will help source out funds for the implementation of the project.

“One of our challenges is how to fund the project. But there are several private entities whom we can ask for grants,” Arib told reporters.

Mayor Jonas Cortes said the technology will be of great help to the beneficiaries.

“We’re not only building houses but we’re building communities,” Cortes said.

Vice Mayor Glenn Bercede said the technology can be applied to other areas in Mandaue if it is proven effective in the relocation site.

The city is observing the Mechanical Engineering Week, which is celebrated every third week of October.  (FREEMAN)