The municipality of Manjuyod has begun an experiment that could make itself the center for organic waste management in Negros Oriental and in the entire country.
The experiment, in cooperation with the Foundation University Alumni Association, Inc., involves the use of bio-mechanical goats (BMG), a simple mechanical device that hastens the conversion of organic waste into compost fertilizer.
The FUAAI had turned over a total of 10 BMGs to the municipality of Manjuyod in a ceremony after Monday’s flag raising ceremony fronting the municipal building.
The turnover was witnessed by employees and officials of Manjuyod, led by Mayor Omni Amor Baldado and FUAAI President Col. Nehru Yurong. The launching was attended by Gov. Agustin Perdices, former Gov. Jose Petit Baldado, and FU President Mira Sinco.
Under the terms of the memorandum of agreement, the Municipality will encourage the participation of all barangays covered in the experiment, while the FUAAI will ensure the
participation of FU alumni in monitoring the project’s progress.
In his speech, Governor Perdices hailed the Manjuyod experiment as timely and relevant to the food security program of the Province. He said he felt happy in the significant community involvement it would generate as it is to be implemented in the barangays all over the Province.
Thirdly, he added, it would be Negros Oriental’s contribution to the globalwide waste management effort. Saving the waste for the mechanical goat, instead of burning it, also contributes to the reduction of carbon emission.
In anticipation on the use of BMG-made fertilizer in all the 555 provincial barangays, the Governor inquired as to the reliability of the fertilizer quality-wise.
FU officials assured him it is better and much cheaper than commercial fertilizer.
For his part, former Governor Baldado expressed hope the Manjuyod experiment will
become the center of organic fertilizer production not only for the Province but for the
Visayas region as well. The propagation of the innovation is expected to gain momentum with the participation of the Manjuyod National Agricultural High School. Students led by school principal Lemuel Anfone, who were actively participating in the lecture held by the FU faculty and staff on the proper and actual use of the BMG.
The students’ parents are expected to take an active role in utilizing the BMG in all the town’s barangays.
For a man who had watched Foundation University grow with the community, Baldado said he couldn’t help but comment on its rapid improvements both on campus and in the
University’s outreach programs.
“FU used to be a school that was not that prestigious but now, FU is different. It has greatly improved,” Baldado said.
FU School of Industrial Engineering & Technology Dean Marlon Tanilon said one BMG will produce one fourth sack of fertilizer in three weeks. For one BMG, a farmer will earn about
P50.00 in three weeks from rubbish and waste materials.
The fertilizer produced, which is even better than commercial fertilizer, also costs much less.
With BMG, FU Agriculture Dean Mark Espedilla chimed in that composting is sped up four
times over.
Composting waste materials on an open pit will take one year while regular composting that involves using the BMG takes about three weeks.
The waste material inside the BMG is turned a few times each morning to hasten the conversion of the waste materials into fertilizer.
Dr. Aparicio Mequi, dean of the FU Graduate School and coordinator for the university’s environment program, said the Manjuyod experiment is off to a good start. “The dedication of our public officials in waking up very early just to be in Manjuyod for the turnover
ceremony was a good sign.
It shows that our top provincial officials are interested to see the project through to a successful beginning.” (Romeo G. Capilitan)
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