TACLOBAN CITY — From a public high school in Eastern Visayas to a regional science stage in Malaysia, four student-researchers from Dolores National High School (DNHS) in Dolores, Eastern Samar are carrying with them a simple but powerful idea: turn plastic waste into digital opportunity.
Jewel Alexa Irasga, Jewel Khaizzer Batula, Ermari Chloe Manlises, and Precious Georline Arca are representing the Philippines at the 14th Regional Congress: Search for SEAMEO Young Scientists in Penang, Malaysia, from February 9 to 12, 2026.
The congress gathers young innovators from 11 Southeast Asian countries under the theme “GREENOVATE: Youth Turning Vision into Action for a Sustainable Future.”
At the heart of the students’ presentation is their award-winning project, “E-Connect: Plastic Bottle Reverse Vending Machine,” an innovation born from two challenges commonly faced in many Philippine communities: unmanaged plastic waste and limited internet access.
Guided by their coaches, Ana Lina Verana and Shaira Linalcoso, the students developed a solar-powered system that allows users to exchange empty plastic bottles for timed Wi-Fi access. Using an Arduino-based sensing mechanism, the machine detects and validates deposited bottles before activating internet connectivity, ensuring both accountability and functionality.
More than a technical showcase, the project reflects the students’ awareness of grassroots realities, particularly in public schools and rural barangays where connectivity remains uneven and plastic pollution is a growing concern. By linking recycling with access to information, the system encourages environmental responsibility while addressing the digital divide.
Educators and science advocates have noted the project’s strong potential for community application, describing it as practical, scalable, and responsive to everyday needs. Its use of renewable energy further aligns with sustainable development goals being promoted across the region.
For the DNHS team, the SEAMEO congress is not just a competition but an opportunity to share a locally grounded solution on an international platform—proof that innovation can begin in classrooms and end up making an impact far beyond them.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
