SM Foundation introduces rainwater harvesting for sustainable impact

  SMFI Health and Medical Programs Senior Project Manager Albert Uy inspects the water catchment to ensure it reliability.

Aligned with the SM Green Movement, the SM group has recently taken action through the SM Foundation to establish a rainwater harvesting system at the Brgy. Irawan Birthing Facility situated in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. This endeavor is in harmony with their commitment to safeguarding the environment and ensuring the well-being of future generations.

In an effort to optimize water conservation and administration within the facility, this system gathers rainwater from the roof and gutters, channeling it through mesh filters coated with vinyl to uphold water quality standards. With a storage capability of 800 liters, the collected rainwater fulfills non-potable requirements of the facility such as irrigation, cleaning, and toilet flushing.

Faucets connected to the rainwater catchment are duly marked to help guide the community.

Remarkably, the rainwater harvesting mechanism operates without the need for electricity and is outfitted with clearly marked faucets to facilitate the intuitive utilization of recycled water. Midwife Narcisa Jagmis, who oversees the birthing facility, conveyed that this establishment will significantly decrease their dependence on the city's existing water supply systems.

“Mahalagang hindi kami nawawalan ng tubig sa center, lalo na po pag nagsimula kaming magoperate bilang birthing clinic. Ngunit minsan po, walang dumadaloy na tubig at wala kaming mapagkukunan,” Jagmis shared.

“Kaya napaka laking tulog po ng natural na tubig mula sa rainwater catchment system na. Madali namin itong naaccess upang gamiting panglinis o pandilig dahil konektado ito sa mga gripo. Ang tubig naman mula sa main line ay maitatabi namin para sa aming sterile operations,” she said.