SM Foundation’s Second Rainwater Harvesting System: Advancing Sustainability

The process of gathering and preserving rainwater for later use is known as rainwater harvesting. It is a flexible and efficient method of preserving water and lowering dependency on primary water sources. Owing to its effectiveness, it has been used historically by numerous civilizations and is still being used as a sustainable water management method by progressive organizations today.

In order to address this, the social good arm of the SM business, SM Foundation, Inc. (SMFI), has installed rainwater harvesting systems in two of the nearby health institutions that it recently renovated—Brgy. Puerto Princesa, Palawan’s Irawan Birthing Facility and San Fernando, Cebu Primary Health Care Facility.

This invention was proactively adopted by SMFI’s Health and Medical Programs to support environmental preservation and community health maintenance.

Ready in times of emergency

Dr. Alfredo P. Manugas VI, Municipal Health Officer and Health Department Head of San Fernando, Cebu Primary Health Care Facility, said that while water is crucial to their operations, water supply is not always available in their municipality, even their center.

“The rainwater harvesting system is essential in our health facility because the water supply in our municipality is not available 24/7,” he said. “We are now provided a source of water in times of emergency or any interruption of water supply. Our staff and visitors can use rainwater for cleaning, flushing the toilet bowls, and watering the plants.”

SMFI ensures that the facility is convenient and manageable to maximize its purpose. It operates without electricity, increasing its sustainability. To harvest water for non-potable use, it collects rainwater from the roof and gutter. The water is filtered through vinyl-coated mesh filters to ensure its quality before being stored in the 800-liter storage tank.

All of the faucets connected to the facility have labels that are visible to help consumers utilize recycled water safely. In addition to this innovation, SMFI employed locally grown plants, LED lighting fixtures, air-cleaning paints, and appliances to create a hygienic and comfortable atmosphere for patients and healthcare professionals.

In the larger framework of the SM Green Movement, these environmentally friendly developments represent the SM group’s dedication to the environment and public health. Due to the two rainwater collection systems’ positive social impact, SMFI hopes to expand this project to more health centers in the near future, thereby enhancing water security despite obstacles.