Science & Technology

DOST Davao Wastewater Treatment Facility Wins Best Government Infrastructure Project at DavPrIME 2024

by Philippine Morning Post
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Technicians monitoring and maintaining the DOST Davao wastewater treatment facility at the Maa Slaughterhouse

DOST Davao wastewater treatment facility earned top recognition after its nature-based system at the Maa Slaughterhouse in Davao City was named Best Government Infrastructure Project at DavPrIME 2024 by the Regional Development Council XI.

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Davao Region earned top recognition in the 2024 Search for Project Implementation and Monitoring Excellence, or DavPrIME, after its Vertical Helophyte Filter System (VHFS) for the Maa Slaughterhouse in Davao City was named Best Government Infrastructure Project by the Regional Development Council XI.

Officials and stakeholders inspect the DOST Davao wastewater treatment facility during a site visit in Davao City
DOST Davao officials and partners conduct a site inspection of the wastewater treatment facility during project evaluation activities.

The VHFS was selected for offering an innovative and cost-effective solution to wastewater treatment, an area where many local facilities struggle due to high costs of conventional systems.

The VHFS is a nature-based technology developed by DOST Davao under its Wastewater Treatment System Upgrading Program. Instead of relying on expensive mechanical equipment, the system uses helophyte plants such as reeds and carabao grass to naturally filter wastewater from the slaughterhouse. The City Government of Davao provided a 600-square-meter site within the Maa Slaughterhouse compound and worked closely with DOST Davao throughout installation and early operation.

Non-nutrient filter system of the DOST Davao wastewater treatment facility designed for sustainable wastewater processing
The non-nutrient filter component of the DOST Davao wastewater treatment facility, part of its innovative nature-based design.

The project impressed evaluators for its cost efficiency. Traditional wastewater treatment systems for similar facilities can cost around thirty million pesos, while the VHFS required only about one million seven hundred thousand pesos to construct. The design also minimizes maintenance expenses and reduces electricity requirements, making it a practical choice for public facilities and small communities.

The Maa Slaughterhouse, recognizing the need to comply with environmental standards, requested the assistance of DOST Davao to develop a system suited for their operations. Following construction, the slaughterhouse and the City government committed to operating and maintaining the facility, ensuring that the technology continues to support water quality improvement in the area.

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Control structure and treatment area of the DOST Davao wastewater treatment facility at the Maa Slaughterhouse
A control structure inside the DOST Davao wastewater treatment facility supporting efficient wastewater management at the Maa Slaughterhouse.

The project was also recognized for its strong monitoring and follow-through. DOST Davao conducted regular field visits, water sampling, and technical support sessions to ensure the system functioned properly. Through continuous adjustments and maintenance, the VHFS consistently met wastewater quality standards and demonstrated long-term viability.

DOST Davao Regional Director Dr. Anthony C. Sales, CESO III, described the recognition as proof that science-driven solutions can be both practical and impactful.

Balhate cell installation at the DOST Davao wastewater treatment facility using helophyte plants for nature-based wastewater treatment
Balhate treatment cell at the DOST Davao wastewater treatment facility, featuring a nature-based filtration system using helophyte plants.

“The Vertical Helophyte Filter System shows that innovation can be accessible. With local materials and smart design, we helped address a long-standing environmental concern in a way that is affordable and sustainable. This award validates the importance of developing technologies that communities can actually use,” he said.

The VHFS at Maa Slaughterhouse is one of several installations constructed by DOST Davao as part of its broader effort to promote low-cost and sustainable wastewater solutions in the region. The DavPrIME award strengthens the model’s potential for replication across more local government units and public facilities seeking reliable and environment-friendly treatment systems. (PR)