Report on Iloilo Field Mission VisitMay 27-29, 2013

I gave a presentation in Iloilo Municipal Hall on how the “Solar-powered Clean Water System (SCWS) with Rainwater Harvesting, Emergency Lighting and Cellular Phone Charging Stations” works.

Site Inspection # 1: Brgy. BuntatalaThe Barangay veranda as installation site for the system has the following advantages:

(1) there will always be someone to watch over the system, (2) the veranda is strong enough to hold the water tanks, and

(3) the solar powering devices can be secured.

We also inspected an old concrete water tank which water capacity is four times bigger than what we intend to install. With some tests, we will be able to determine if this structure can still hold water. If it is still good, we can install a rain water harvesting set-up above it to let rainwater flow into it. The set-up can also house the solar and control devices.

Faster flow of water can be attained in this set-up because the tank is three-storey high.However, the barangay officials raised a concern – it is not fully government-owned. Thus, there will be some paper

processing needed to use the facility. Moreover, there will be no full-time personnel who can man the system. Future problems may arise when change of administration from either party occurs.

Thus, we agreed to install the system on the Barangay Hall veranda and not anymore use the existing tanks.

Site Inspection #2: Brgy. BalabagoSeveral installation site options are considered.

Option 1: At the front veranda on the 2nd floor of the Barangay Hall There is no need to do civil works thus, the SCWS can be doubled.

However, the Barangay Captain is worried that it will block the front view of the hall or it might be an eyesore.

Option 2: At the side of the Barangay HallThere is enough space to do civil works but only one SCWS can be installed.

Option 3: The area recommended by the Barangay Captain. This area will need to be reinforced with sturdier materials

that will be able to support 2.4 cubic meters of water.

Option 3 was chosen but we agreed to find ways to strengthen the GI roofing area (probably through C-purlins, angle brace bars and additional posts) so we could install two sets of SCWS.

Site Inspection #3: Brgy. San IsidroThe Barangay Captain gave us several options.

Option 1: At the barangay hall.

Option 2: At the resettlement areaWe could install the tanks at the concrete roof deck of the Multi-Purpose Hall

and get rainwater from the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF).

Option 3: At the Uswag High School (being constructed right now but is expected to be done within the year)This site provides more height for water tanks and roofing/gutter system is new.

There is also a platform where tanks can be placed.

We agreed to install the system in the school which is at the center of the resettlement area.

Site Inspection #4: Brgy. Dungon-AThe barangay officials are thinking of three possible areas where SCWS can be placed.

Option 1: the concrete roof deck of the newly constructed comfort roomsThe problem is this area is too small for the water tanks and

is not too hygienic to have a tank of drinking water atop comfort rooms.

Option 2: Barangay Hall veranda which can hold two sets of SCWS tanks

Option 3: Put it on the tie beam of the two columns of the Uswag GymHowever, a platform must be constructed that will be supported by the tie beam on one side

and the roofing of the adjacent building on the other side of the platform. We also need to check the structural loading of the tie beam if it can hold an additional 2.4 tons of load.

The barangay captain and her council are inclined to choose Option 3 but they decided to meet with the other officials to discuss the different options.

Site Inspection #5: Brgy. CalubihanThere is no space in and around the Barangay Hall big enough

to house the SCWS or where a concrete pedestal can be constructed.

One barangay official suggested that the system be installed in the Lions International building, which is adjacent to the Barangay Hall. However, they need to make arrangement with Lions International before we could install it.

We agreed that the barangay officials meet with the Lions International to discuss the details of the MOA.