SCIENCE CITY OF MUÑOZ — A rainwater harvesting technology highlighted by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Central Luzon is helping remote communities access cleaner water through the Rainfold system with Zeramic Filter developed by Lithos Manufacturing.
The innovation collects and stores rainwater using a foldable 1,000-liter tank connected to a three-stage mineral filtration system designed to remove heavy metals and absorb organic contaminants using natural minerals such as zeolite, calcium carbonate, and activated carbon.
Lithos Manufacturing Chief Executive Officer and founder Eleanor Oligario said the technology was developed to help communities harvest rainwater as an alternative water resource, particularly in disaster-prone and water-scarce areas.
“Our rainwater system uses non-chemical filtration to provide cleaner water for households. By harvesting rain, even heavy rainfall becomes a valuable resource for washing, cleaning, and other daily needs, without relying on electricity,” she reiterated.
Oligario shared that the technology was partly inspired by the water access challenges faced by several communities, including residents of Isabela City where some families travel by boat to obtain clean water.
She also cited experiences in Pangasinan where students in some schools bring large containers of water from home because their classrooms do not have a reliable water supply.
This gravity-operated system allows communities to collect rainwater from rooftops and use it for washing, cleaning, and sanitation without requiring electricity.
The Rainfold system weighs about 46 kilograms and can be carried and installed by one or two persons, making it easier to deploy in remote communities and disaster-affected areas.
This system is also equipped with a faucet outlet that allows users to easily access the collected water for daily activities such as washing, cleaning, and sanitation.
Rainfold technology has been deployed in communities in Pangasinan, Isabela City in Basilan, and Batangas to help address water access challenges in remote areas, with support from the Technology Application and Promotion Institute to expand its development and deployment.
Lithos Manufacturing is exploring partnerships with local government units and organizations interested in deploying the Rainfold system in communities facing water access challenges.
DOST Central Luzon continues to promote science- and technology-driven innovations that address community needs and support sustainable solutions for water access and disaster preparedness across the region.