With the recent surge of visitors in Coron and El Nido (88.83% and 19.02%, respectively) in 2017, the Palawan tourist destinations have adopted a different solution to septic water treatment: Vigormin, a Pinoy-developed “organo-compound” endorsed by the Department of Science and Technology-Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan (DOST-MIMAROPA).
What is Vigormin?
According to DOST-MIMAROPA:
Vigormin is an odorless, white powder composed of various organo-minerals that has the capability to neutralize the poignant odor as well as the mucky color in wastewaters or septic waters. Its application significantly improves water quality based on the effluents standards set by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). It is developed through the six-year research of Dr. Merlinda Palencia, a Chemical Engineering (ChE) professor from Adamson University, under the auspices of the Department of Science and Technology Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD).
Vigormin saw use in Palo, Leyte after the area was struck by Yolanda in 2013. Officials used it in managing wastewater in several temporary shelters. This led DOST to replicate the application of the organo-mineral in other areas in the country, particularly in tourist destinations where wastewater management is a significant issue.
Vigormin use in Coron and El Nido
Through DOST-MIMAROPA’s Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Roadshows in Coron and El Nido, Dr. Palencia introduced the organo-mineral to select local hotel and accommodation establishment owners and manufacturing and transport sector representatives. Dr. Palencia also conducted site visits and consultations to demonstrate Vigormin application.
As a result, nineteen (19) tourism establishments in Coron and ten (10) tourism establishments from El Nido have adopted Vigormin for wastewater treatment, including the four-star Coron Soleil Garden Resort in Mt. Tapyas. The Calamianes Association of Tourism Establishments (CATE) currently serves as the main distributor of the organo-mineral in Palawan.
Cover photo: Francesco Bini
Reference
- Official DOST-MIMAROPA press release (co-written by Phyllicia Anne M. Baguyo, Engr. Pacifico T. Sariego III, and Charlotte F. Pizarras)
Author: Mikael Angelo Francisco
Bitten by the science writing bug, Mikael has years of writing and editorial experience under his belt. As the editor-in-chief of FlipScience, Mikael has sworn to help make science more fun and interesting for geeky readers and casual audiences alike.
