Instead of building large dams that can cause major environmental damage in the long run, students at the Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) are now focusing on small hydropower systems for communities and businesses in Leyte province.
These small-scale hydroelectric systems, these students believe, are not only economical and best serve the needs of communities and small businesses but also have minimal impact on the environment.
In Jaro town, for instance, students have harnessed the power of a stream flowing down Mount Amandewing, the highest peak in the province, to power small cottages frequented by tourists.
The system operates through a "run-of-river" setup, utilizing the natural flow of water from a small reservoir made of piled rocks and repurposed fabric materials.
"The pipe brings water from the source to the turbine. This setup is ideal for the area because the geographical conditions provide a suitable flow for a small-scale impounding system," the researchers explained in their study.
The project, titled "Development and Implementation of Hydroelectric Power Source in Amandewing Hotspring," was developed by Earl James Gaspar, Ralp Taizon Macayan, Stevenson Padilla, Shervin Picorro and Bernardo Teraza, all graduating Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering students at Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) in Tacloban City.
With an initial investment of P100,000, the renewable energy project was formally turned over on Monday to villagers managing the Mount Amandewing Hotspring in Barangay Rubas, Jaro, Leyte.
The project aims to harness the potential energy of water moving from higher elevations and convert it efficiently into mechanical and electrical energy.
Ann Vanessa Dumduma-Batis, one of the site managers, expressed gratitude to the students, saying the project will significantly improve visitors' experience by providing lighting and charging stations for mobile devices.
"The destination is off-grid since it is far from the main road. After hiking, some of our senior citizen guests need to use nebulizers, which require electricity," Batis told the Philippine News Agency.
EVSU School of Engineering Dean Vinyl Oquiño said the university has been encouraging students to identify community problems and develop practical engineering solutions.
"We want to ensure that the academic work of our students translates into real-world solutions," Oquiño said.
University officials added that the initiative supports EVSU's long-term goal of becoming a National University for Resiliency and Climate Action by 2040.
The Mount Amandewing Hot Spring resort is known for its naturally heated waters and scenic surroundings, offering visitors a relaxing retreat amid lush greenery. The site features common swimming areas, private pools, and picnic spots.
Hot springs originating from Mount Amandewing are often associated with the Alto Peak geothermal area in Leyte. The springs are known for their healing and mineral-rich warm waters.
(With report from PNA)
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