Reg'l Standards and Testing Lab is now DOH accredited for water analysis

By Admer Rey C. Dablio

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Jan. 14 -- The Regional Standards and Testing Laboratories (RSTL) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Regional Office 10 finally received its Certificate of Laboratory Accreditation for Drinking Water Analysis from the Department of Health – Bureau of Health Facilities and Services. 

With this accreditation, small, medium, and large enterprises in Northern Mindanao and nearby regions whose drinking water need to be tested can now have their drinking water tested at RSTL, DOST-10. 

The services covered in this accreditation are the physical, bacteriological, and chemical analyses of drinking water. 

RSTL-X has already been testing drinking water samples from different sectors in Northern Mindanao like water refilling stations, hospitals, food processors, and others. 

The usual analyses conducted are pH, turbidity and total dissolved solids for physical parameters; heavy metals like Iron and Manganese for chemical parameters; heterotrophic plate count, coliform count, fecal coliforms, and Escherichia coli (complete potability test) for bacteriological parameters. 

Other testing parameters specified in the Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water are also available at RSTL-10. An example, which is also a main concern in terms of the safety of drinking water is the analysis of mercury in water. RSTL can conduct this especially with the recent purchase of Direct Mercury Analyzer which gives faster results for such analysis. 

DOST-10 RSTL is also offering nitrite analysis of meat products to ensure safety of the meat products in Northern Mindanao, considering that the region has a big meat industry. Food safety has been one of the major concerns of the people here and with this nitrite analysis, and other testing capabilities of RSTL, people in Northern Mindanao will enjoy safe food products. 

This achievement of RSTL-10 is really a reflection of their quality statement, being committed to deliver quality and relevant testing and calibration services promptly and efficiently to its customers in Northern Mindanao. 

Also, this achievement is a result of the tagline of RSTL, “Quality is our policy. Service is our commitment. Excellence is our habit.” RSTL ensures that safe and quality water, food, and non-food items are available. Furthermore, it aims to lead the global race for better, safer products. (JMOR/Admer Rey C. Dablio/DOST-10/PIA10) 

XU holds relief mission for ‘Pablo’ survivors

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Jan 15 -- Xavier University held various missions during the school Christmas break to help survivors of Typhoon Pablo in Compostela Valley, Davao Oriental and Agusan del Sur.

Six faculty members and two students facilitated stress debriefing and medical mission in barangays Cateel, Bana-ao and Yapsay, Davao Oriental, some of the badly hit areas of Typhoon Pablo.

Houses in the coastal areas were washed out due to storm surges which reached as high as five feet and covered the main road. People crawled their way out of their houses to safer ground because the wind was strong enough to rip apart a heavy cemented house.

Michael Acenas, Monalisa Pangan and Suzette Valmores of the Campus Ministries Office, Engr Crel Valdehueza of the College of Engineering, Dr Vincent Laguardia and Francis Dale Acenas of the School of Medicine, Laurine Alexis Yonson, a Sociology student, and Victoria Melissa Pulido of Kristohanong Katilingban sa Pagpakabana – Social Involvement Office together with Balay Mindanao Foundation, Inc served approximately 600 families who were also given free medical check-ups and basic medicines.

Meanwhile, a team of seven counselors went to New Bataan, Compostela Valley and Sta Josefa, Agusan del Sur to conduct psychosocial debriefing for affected children. The Guidance and Counseling Office (GCO), represented in by Dr Joey Marie Jegonia, Carol Landa, Sean Sasing, Sr Trang Tan, Bro Noel Cantago, Carmelita Judith Guarin and Charito Vocal, partnered with the Ateneo de Davao University’s Center for Psychological Extension and Research Services (COPERS) during the mission.

“There were some kids who still couldn’t speak because of the shock,” recalled Dr Joey Marie Jegonia who led the team from XU.

To help the children, as young as less than a year to 13 years old, tell their story, Jegonia’s team facilitated role playing games where the children expressed themselves through movement. They were also given toys with which to associate the positive experience of the intervention.

Overall, the GCO helped over a hundred children in New Bataan and over 400 children in Sta Josefa. In addition to the toys, which were donated by a group of medical doctors, Jegonia and her team also handed out school supplies.

To fund their mission, the GCO raised funds and diverted their Christmas party budget to the mission. They also got support from the university President’s Office.

“Our direction now is toward putting up more funds not just for clothing and books, but to fund a psychosocial team,” shared Jegonia. 

The team plans to visit the children again in May for a follow-up session.

Despite the tragedy experienced, the communities remain hopeful that a brighter tomorrow awaits them.

“Because we were able to survive, we should continue living,” said Edmer, a 12 year old boy from Brgy Ban-ao. “God still has big plans for us.” (Vanessa M. Gorra, with reports from Victoria Melissa Pulido/XU)