BACOLOD CITY – Three graduating students of Southland College in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental have invented a device that can access the digital world sustainably and eco-friendly.

RESEARCHERS (from left) Wesley Hans Platil, Genefredrich Bayor, and Jaspher Valiao invent a Wi-Fi vending machine that converts plastic bottles for internet access at Southland College in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental. (Contributed photo)

It took almost a year for fourth year Information Technology (IT) students Hans Wesley Platil, 22; Jaspher Valiao, 22, and Genefredrich Bayor, 23, to complete the Wi-Fi vending machine that operates by converting plastic bottles for internet access.

Bayor said the Wi-Fi vending machine works by accepting 500-milliliter plastic bottles which are then recycled and converted into credits for internet connection.

The three classmates-turned-co-researchers began conceptualizing the project last June. However, they almost gave up along the way due to time and financial constraints.

Platil said they need to balance their studies as they work on the project that cost them P30,000.

Aside from this, Platil said that it was also challenging to train the system for data accuracy.

But despite their struggles, Bayor said that the love and support from the people who believed in them inspired and motivated them to continue with the project.

The project was part of Southland’s School of Engineering, Computer Studies, and Architecture (SECSA) Fest 2024 Capstone and Project headed by Dean Nolan Fernandez and Capstone Coordinator Daniel Tagulalac Jr.

It was among the projects that were displayed in an exhibit at the City Mall Kabankalan from April 22 to 26.

Tagulalac said the annual festival aims to share the potential of students and present their output which could later contribute to societal development.

He said the Wi-Fi vending machine will be displayed in the school exclusively for students as part of the product teaching presentation exhibit set on the third week of May. Students will be recognized for their accomplished projects, he added.

The school said that this project showcases the power of technology to address environmental and social issues, highlighting the importance of innovation in creating a more sustainable and connected world.

Platil said that the device is about 90 percent operational and the storage bin can accommodate at least 150 plastic bottles.

He said they need to study more to upgrade its system before officially launching it to the public to enable it to accept other kinds and sizes of plastic bottles for Wi-Fi credits.

Jonah Navarro of the school’s Community Involvement and Extension Services said they have available equipment for plastic bottles to be processed.

One of the recycling processes that they will do is the molding and shredding of plastic bottles to be formed into flower pots, bricks, or tiles as the end-product, she added.

Navarro said they are happy that the expertise of these students will help encourage others to recycle.

She said that they have partnered with neighboring communities for recycling procedures to provide them with a livelihood project.

Navarro said they had started their livelihood programs on plastic recycling in the communities but it was halted because of the pandemic and typhoon “Odette” which greatly affected the southern part of the province.

“But we do not lose our hope that we may be able to continue recycling and inspire more young ones to also get involved,” she added.