Assessing the Performance of Biogas Digester as a Sustainable Energy Technology: Solution for Domestic Use in Tunasan, Muntinlupa City, Philippines

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in the Philippines has initiated a project focused on biogas digesters, which are being implemented in Muntinlupa City, the southernmost city in the National Capital Region (NCR). A biogas digester is an oxygen-free vessel that utilizes organic waste materials to produce biogas, which can be used for cooking and heating purposes. As part of Muntinlupa City’s waste management practices, the Environmental Sanitation Center (ESC), an office responsible for implementing the ecological solid waste management system in the city, has been operating a functioning model of a biogas digester at the Pacwood Site in Barangay Tunasan which is located in the southern section of the city, adjacent to the province of Laguna. The study aims to assess the functionality, feasibility, and potential for household utilization of the biogas digester among the residents of Barangay Tunasan. The research methods employed included online and actual surveys targeting the citizens of the locality, an on-site visit at the ESC facility, and an interview with relevant personnel managing the biogas digester. Majority of the respondents were unaware of the biogas digester and had not yet used it, but expressed willingness to utilize it for domestic purposes. The biogas digester at the Pacwood Site was operated by utilizing ostrich feces which were fed with shredded vegetable waste from the public market. The project was found to be sustainable and contributed to the waste management efforts of the city. However, the researchers identified potential areas for improvement, and due to the limited data obtained, further studies were recommended to gather more information and insights. The functioning model established in Barangay Tunasan provided positive results in terms of sustainability and waste management. Additional research is required to enhance the project and address the identified areas for improvement.