ma-a slaughterhouse

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 Ma-a Slaughterhouse in Davao City was named Best Government Infrastructure Project by the Regional Development Council XI.

The VHFS was selected for offering an innovative and cost-effective solution to wastewater treatment, an area where many local facilities struggle due to the 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 Ma-a Slaughterhouse compound and worked closely with DOST Davao throughout installation and early operation.

The project impressed evaluators for its cost efficiency. Traditional wastewater treatment systems for similar facilities can cost around P30 million, while the VHFS required only about P1.7 million to construct. The design also minimizes maintenance expenses and reduces electricity requirements, making it a practical choice for public facilities and small communities.

The Ma-a 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.

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 described the recognition as proof that science-driven solutions can be both practical and impactful.

“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 Ma-a 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 environmentally friendly treatment systems.

THE ANCILLARY Services Unit (ASU) stressed the need for enabling policies to regulate erring illegal vendors occupying sidewalks and city streets.

ASU Head Paul Bermejo said Monday that the portion of Marfori Street has been occupied by fruit vendors, especially during December, and the ASU Demolition team warns the vendors every time, but they keep returning.

Bermejo said this is probably due to the lack of enabling policies that govern these vendors, so they keep on displaying their products on the streets.

Asked if there is a need for an ordinance to penalize the erring vendors, Bermejo said they are more than willing to help craft it.

“Kinahanglan natog enabling policies sa city council. Willing mi magtrabaho ani together with the City Legal Office,” Bermejo stressed during an interview with the city-run disaster radio.

Items confiscated by the demolition team will be brought to the ASU office in the Ma-a Slaughterhouse compound, and vendors can claim them after signing an affidavit of undertaking. The document requires the vendor’s promise not to sell illegally on sidewalks and obstruct streets.

Bermejo said should there be an ordinance, the vendors will be regulated and will not take advantage of the affidavit signing.

Vendors with confiscated items reported in the office reach up to the fourth offense and even the sixth offense, but can still get away with it.

Illegal occupation of sidewalk vendors extending to the major streets continues to be a problem despite road-clearing operations.

“Wala mi lain option kundi i-summarily remove ilang obstruction nga naas kalsada,” Bermejo said

To summarily remove, he explained, is to remove someone or something quickly without a lengthy process, as stipulated under Executive Order No. 5 Series of 2017, defining responsibilities of the ASU Demolition team.

Bermejo explained this after a viral video resurfaced on social media sites where a fruit vendor and a personnel of ASU were involved in a heated fight in Bankerohan Public Market during one of the road clearing ops.

He confirmed the video was taken in March, which was already resolved in the barangay, and the vendor involved has already filed an affidavit of undertaking.

“Naa mi katungod ug mando pero bisan pa og naa mi mando, amo na syang ginapahimangnoan,” he said.

Bermejo called the barangay local government units of Bankerohan, Agdao, Buhangin, and Toril, where these erring vendors are displaying, to monitor the streets to prevent the vendors from obstructing the pedestrians.

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DOST Davao’s Nature-Based Wastewater Treatment Facility Wins Best Infra Project in DavPrIME

ASU to push policies against erring illegal sidewalk vendors