The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has provided P1 million to the provincial local government unit (LGU) in Samar for the establishment of the iodine-rich drinking water processing facility dubbed as “Tubig Talino.”
DOST Secretary Fortunato “Boy” T. de la Peña said the DOST-VIII turned over the funds worth about P1 million to the recipient-LGU on Oct. 26 at the Capitol Building, Catbalogan City for the project.
The DOST-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) developed the “Tubig Talino”, an iodine-rich drinking water in a move to control and prevent Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) among Filipinos.
De la Peña said the project will benefit the iodine-deficient vulnerable group in the province.
“The Tubig Talino project will be established in two districts of Samar, one in Calbiga and another in Calbayog City, both from the first and second districts, respectively,” he said.
The SIRAK Kabataan (Sama-samang Itaguyod ang Responsableng Aksyon ng Kabataan) will serve as the major implementing arm of the project.
The group is expected to ensure the daily operation of the facility.
Tubig Talino is a purified or ordinary potable water mixed with Water Plus I2 that may be consumed to improve iodine intake of Filipinos.
The DOST-FNRI said a 5 milliliter (ml) of Water Plus I2 can make 20 liters of Tubig Talino that can meet 33 percent of the iodine daily requirement of the body.
The Institute is offering the technology to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), most especially those involved in water refilling station businesses as an additional business opportunity at a very low cost.