WATERSS (Water Assessment, Testing, Education and Research Support Services) Project

Towards The Protection of the Integrity of Creation through HNU-WATERSS


HNU-WATERSS Laboratory

Holy Name University, through its WATERSS (Water Assessment, Testing, Education and Research Support Services) Project, plays a very active role towards the realization of its mission to "protect the integrity of creation and to uplift the welfare of children, women, disabled and the marginalized members of society." Implemented under the FOCAS 4 (Water and Sanitation) component of the Philippines-Australia Community Assistance Program (PACAP), HNU-WATERSS is geared towards the attainment of the following objectives:

  • Establish and operate an accredited and registered water testing laboratory;
  • Develop a management information system for efficient dissemination of information;
  • Provide awareness-building activities for active participation of informed public in water quality management & monitoring;
  • Develop linkages towards consultative & cooperation functions for resource pooling and policy advocacy.

These objectives are responsive to the Bohol Medium-Term Development Plan (2004-2009) and the Bohol Agriculture Master Plan (2006-2026) where protection, rehabilitation and conservation of water resources has been identified as priority program as it directly influences the attainment of economic, social and infrastructure development goals and set to contribute to the eradication of poverty in Bohol.

This project was conceptualized by a pool of faculty members from the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Engineering, College of Commerce and College of Computer Science in consultation with partner institutions in the provincial government, the national government agencies and non-government organizations. The water testing laboratory is targeted to be fully operational by April 2008. The operations of the laboratory will be under the supervision of Engr, Juliet Espiritu, Chair of the Math and Natural Sciences Department in close partnership with the Center for Research and Local Governance (CRLG) under the able leadership of Fr. Romeo P. Bancale, SVD the Director of the CRLG and VP for Academic Affairs.

Assisting the implementation of the activities of the project are the members of the WATERSS Technical Working Team composed of Mrs. Josephine T. Cemine (Research Associate, CRLG), Dr. Jemma Jay (Dean, College of Commerce and Accountancy), Mrs. Amie Rosarie Caballo (Dean, College of Computer Science), Engr. Juliet Espiritu (CAS), Engr. Grethel Mende (COEng), Mrs. Victoria Millanar (CAS), Ms. Marecela Diloy (CAS), Ms. Mariejoe Narca (COCS), Mrs. Maria Paz Espiritu (CRLG), Ms. Florita Dote (CBA), and Mr. Christian Anuta (CRLG).

Tests offered by the HNU-WATERSS Laboratory

The following test parameters are to be offered by the HNU-WATERSS Laboratory:

  1. Physical Tests:
    • Color
    • Odor
    • Temperature
    • pH

  2. Chemical Tests:
    • Ammonia
    • Nitrate
    • Phosphorous
    • Dissolved Oxygen

  3. Microbiological Tests:
    • Total Coliform
    • E. coli
    • Fecal Coliform
    • Total Dissolved Solids