Jorranne Paraiso
On March 4, 2025, a second solar-powered charging station was launched in the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), Manila. A joint project with PUP’s Institute of Technology (ITech) and College of Arts and Letters (CAL) and supported by Mary Ruth Organics.
The ProTECH Solar Charging Station displayed at the 6th Floor, South Wing at PUP-Main Building at Sta. Mesa. Photo: Nadia Cruz
Powered by 1.2 kiloWatt (kW) solar panel and a 1 kW battery storage capacity, the station can recharge up to 20 hand-held devices simultaneously, powering cellular phones, tablets, and laptops which are beneficial to the students and faculties for their academic needs.
Additionally, the solar battery unit can be detached from the main structure, which can be deployed in times of emergencies and natural calamities.
[Left] Dean Ramir Cruz from PUP-Institute of Technology and Chairperson Marvin Lai from Department of Filipinonology are seen to charge their mobile phones at the solar charging station. Photo: Nadia Cruz
Created by the students in their thesis the proTECH solar charging station will increase the available facility that could aid some of the community’s energy needs, would help mitigate power scarcity and carbon emissions, and provide skill transfers on the maintenance of charging stations. Shifting away from fossil fuels means that communities, can take ownership and lead their way forwarding renewable energy to more communities
PUP-Institute of Technology faculty and students, together with 350 Pilipinas and 350.org Asia poses for a photo in the solar charging station. The station is powered with a 1 kW solar panel, which can power 20 devices simoultaneously. Photo: Nadia Cruz
The solar charging station was made possible through a collaboration of PUP-ITech students and 350 Pilipinas, led by Matt Quendangan, as well as the faculties of ITech and CAL, led by Department Deans Ramir Cruz and Rafael Michael Paz, respectively.
Jay Montante, a 350 Pilipinas volunteer, is one of the key members of the I-tech students that lead the construction and deployment of the project. Photo: Nadia Cruz
350 Pilipinas and CAL also held a discussion on producing a multi-stakeholder collaborative ethics module focusing on climate action and renewable energy, highlighting climate change resistance and world-building. The module is planned to be implemented in the second semester of the 2025 academic year.
Driven by the community, this initiative is an essential strategy for forging stronger partnerships between communities.
Writer: Jorrane Paraiso | Editor: Nadia Cruz