Manila: An island community in Concepcion town in Iloilo has received a vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) system through Project DAGAT, an initiative by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
According to Philippines News Agency, DOST Western Visayas Regional Director, Engineer Rowen Gelonga, shared in a phone interview that the project in Barangay Botlog is part of a broader initiative selecting three island communities in the region to receive technological interventions aimed at enhancing disaster resilience. Gelonga explained that for each island, different technologies are piloted to harness renewable energy, with Barangay Botlog focusing on wind energy to provide electricity.
The project is a collaboration involving DOST, Central Philippine University, and the Northern Iloilo State University, supported by funding from the Department of Economy, Planning and Development's Innovation Grant. Gelonga noted the necessity for an additional electricity source in the community, with VAWT enhancing local energy independence and resilience by powering lighting and charging systems.
The project aims to install streetlights along the shoreline and provide power at the barangay hall for residents to charge gadgets and small appliances. Gelonga highlighted that the streetlights are provided by the local government unit, while the turbine is part of the DOST project. Currently in a dry run, the turbine has a capacity of one kilowatt, sufficient to light over 200 bulbs.
Unveiled in a ceremony on Dec. 19, the project also includes auxiliary solar panels for use during low wind periods and an automated weather station. Residents received training on weather parameters and disaster risk reduction. Gelonga mentioned that data from Botlog will inform further development of more efficient wind turbines.
In addition to Barangay Botlog, two other projects are underway on Unisan Island in Nueva Valencia, Guimaras, focusing on a water desalination facility, and on Mararison Island in Culasi, Antique, where disaster resiliency measures, including an automated weather station and training on evacuation and first aid, are being implemented.
