A team of STEM students from Calaca Senior High School has created a buzz online with their groundbreaking invention: a solar-powered multi-purpose waste disposal and charger.
The project was introduced by Joemark Gumapac, the school’s research coordinator, who expressed his admiration for the students’ innovative approach. “Ako po ay sobrang humahanga sa galing ng mga bata dahil kakaiba po talaga, mapapakinabangan siya. At the same time, makakatulong pa po siya sa ating environment,” Gumapac said in an ABS-CBN News report.
In a viral video posted on May 7, 2024, Heart Cabello, the leader of the student group, demonstrates the device’s functionality. The video shows Cabello activating the solar-powered charger and inserting an empty plastic bottle, which in turn charges a cellphone within four minutes.
Cabello explained the technical aspects of their invention, highlighting the use of sensors to recognize the plastic bottle before initiating the solar charging process. The project integrates wood and various electronic components, including a solar panel, sensor, timer, screen, switch, and wiring.
One of the standout features of the prototype is its ability to function during power outages, relying entirely on solar energy.
The team, working alongside electronics and engineering experts from Batangas, completed the project in just two months. The concept was born out of a desire to address local litter problems. “Yung waste management, kung gaano po ka-crucial sa panahon ngayon. Kailangan po makatulong ‘yung ating bawat tao sa environment and isa po ‘yung charging station po na ‘yun na makaka-push po sakanila at makakaengganyo,” Cabello explained.
The bottles collected by the device will be sold to junk shops, with proceeds funding environmental projects by a school organization.
Love Legaspi, the students’ research adviser, stressed the importance of such projects in fostering research skills and creativity among students. “Sobrang proud po ako na nakapag-produce po sila ng ganito na talagang maipagmamalaki po namin,” Legaspi shared.
The prototype is currently on display at the school, serving as a model for future student research. The viral video has amassed 1.2 million views, 50.1k reactions, and 2.3k shares on Facebook, highlighting the widespread interest and support for the students’ innovative solution.
