Nacaya thanks DOST director for approving research study for slaughterhouse improvement

MAJORITY Floor Leader Councilor Ian Mark Q. Nacaya is expressing his sincerest appreciation and gratitude to Director Alfonso P. Alamban, Regional Director of the Department of Science and Technology-X (DOST-X), for his kind approval of the research study entitled: Methane Gas and Organic Fertilizer Recovery as Wastewater Improvement Strategy in the City Slaughterhouse Facility in Barangay Cugman. The study was conducted by the Systems Research and Innovation Center of the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP).

The councilor also expressed gratitude to USTP System President Ambrocio Cultura II, PhD, as well as the research team led by Greg M. Cubio, D.Eng., director of the System Research and Innovation Center, and team members Antonio-Abdu Sami M. Magomnang, D. Eng.; and Apolinario D. Gonzaga, Jr., PhD., all of USTP, for their valuable and incomparable expertise, time and efforts fully exerted for the success and timely completion of the research study.

Councilor Nacaya, who chairs both the committees on economic enterprises and on planning and development, authored an ordinance authorizing Mayor Oscar Moreno to enter into and sign the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Science and Technology-X and the USTP covering the implementation of the said research and development project.

The ordinance, which was approved on Monday by the City Council during its regular session presided over by Vice Mayor Raineir Joaquin V. Uy, will be a great help for the city to come up with effective and relevant programs and projects for the city slaughterhouse. It will also encourage, promote and stimulate technological, educational, economic and social efforts to prevent environmental damage and unnecessary loss of valuable resources through recovery, recycling and re-use of wastes and waste products, said Mayor Moreno in his endorsement.

Under the agreement, DOST shall allocate and release the amount of P2.7 million to USTP, ensure and monitor the implementation of the project in accordance with the Work Plan, facilitate the transfer of equipment upon completion or facilitate the pull-out of equipment in case of project termination, among others.

For its part, the USTP shall spend the funds released by DOST-X in accordance with the existing government accounting and auditing rules and regulations, refund the full amount of financial assistance if due to premature unjustified reasons the project has been terminated or when funds were used but not according to the approved purpose, among others.

Finally, the city shall provide the area to house the equipment, coordinate and collaborate with DOST-X and USTP all activities to be undertaken in relation to the project’s implementation, allow DOST and project proponent/implementers/representative(s) access to its premises and facilities to monitor and collect necessary data/information during the implementation of the project with proper coordination and approval of the management of the industry-partner regarding the schedule of visit and expected visitors, among others.

The legislation was endorsed by the committees on economic enterprises and on laws and rules both chaired by Councilor Nacaya.