Romblon State University (RSU) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) are continuing their joint efforts to explore the potential utilization of marble waste from Romblon Province. Their focus lies on enhancing economic development through value addition and addressing the issue of marble dust sedimentation.
Mae Angelica Famini, Science Specialist II of DOST-Romblon, shared insights into their ongoing research and development project, which commenced in 2022 and remains ongoing. Their primary objective is to find innovative ways to utilize marble dust and rubble effectively.
Currently, marble dust from Romblon flows into riverbeds and farm fields, posing health risks to workers. The project aims to mitigate the impact of marble dust on their health.
The product of this collaboration is the RSU project called “Optimization of Marble Cutting Operations through Marble Waste Utilization.” Engr. Christian Mortel, the project leader, mentioned that a machine was already granted by the DOST that will help pulverize the marble.
“The purpose of this project is to have a facility to process marble by-products like rubbles. These by-products are currently sold at a low price in Manila. We proposed to process the marble waste into powder, which will then be sent to Manila to increase its value and profitability,” Mortel explained.
Meanwhile, DOST is also helping other micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) who is involved in marble processing. DOST has provided machinery to select marble factories in Romblon under their Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program, which extends interest-free loans to MSMEs.
Additionally, the agency is set to introduce specially designed marble packaging to improve product presentation and marketability.
Famini mentioned that the project is ready for implementation this year, and beneficiaries will have the opportunity to customize the design according to their preferences.
