Pisay kids win Shell’s Bright Ideas contest with device that charges phones using hydropower

Students from the Cagayan Valley campus of the Philippine Science High School (PSHS) bagged P100,000 for developing a device that creates electricity once it is inserted into household pipes.

In a press briefing in Makati City on Monday, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation awarded the students the first prize in its Bright Ideas Challenge for their device, which they named "Pipe-to Manalo-to," a play on the GMA show "Pepito Manaloto."

Their device, once inserted into household pipes, creates enough electricity to charge mobile phones using hydropower.

The students and their invention, 'Pipe-to Manalo-to,' in Makati City on February 26, 2018. Photos: Jon Viktor Cabuenas

"Our idea can produce less than 5 kilowatts of electricity, which can charge mobile phones and house lights," said team leader John Paolo Lumanlan.

The team bested nine other finalists from Meridian Learning International Experience, St. Theresa's College, CCF Life Academy, Dumaguete Science High School, CEU Senior High School, and Biñan National High School.

According to the team's coach Jenshiam Balgua, the creation of the device itself cost less than P100, as the team used recycled materials.

"The device is accessible for everyone, mahirap or mayaman," he said, noting that the team now expects to fine-tune the device and make it available to areas off the grid.

Aside from the cash prize for the school, the team members will also receive P100,000 and will be heading to Singapore in March for the Make the Future Festival. — BM, GMA News