Coco-shell water purification system to debut in Laguna

A water purification system using indigenous biodegradable materials like coconut shells will be launched in Laguna this June, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said. The Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. said De La Salle University (DLSU) in Manila partnered with the Manhattan College in New York City in building the system. "DLSU Professor Susan Gallardo was joined by Manhattan College Professor and Filipino-American James Patrick Abulencia in developing the water purification system presented at the National Sustainable Design Expo held on April 15," the DFA said in a news release on its website. The water system will be introduced in Nagcarlan, Laguna, when Abulencia travels back to the Philippines in June to help launch the water system, it added. The National Sustainable Design Expo is an event organized by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as part of its Earth Day event. The Expo showcased 55 teams of more than 400 college students from across the US to present their innovative solutions to current environmental challenges. Gallardo teaches Chemical Engineering at DLSU while Abulencia recently participated in the Balik Scientist Program of the Department of Science and Technology.— JMT/TJD, GMA News