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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Luzon devider It works! Lucena inventor creates trash-collecting robot from recycled materials

It works! Lucena inventor creates trash-collecting robot from recycled materials

Published Aug 28, 2026 12:10 pm
(Photo by Isagani Inciong via Danny Estacio)
(Photo by Isagani Inciong via Danny Estacio)
LUCENA CITY, Quezon - An innovative method for cleaning waterways was demonstrated at the Iyam River using an improvised garbage-collecting robot made from recycled materials in this city.
The device was constructed using old plastic containers, aluminum, and galvanized wire mesh.
It is equipped with a garbage lifter designed to easily gather and collect floating debris.
The robot is operated via a remote control—similar to those used in computer games—that controls a small motor attached to the unit.
According to Isagani Inciong, an electronics technician and the device's inventor, he conceived the project to help reduce floating river debris, particularly plastic waste.
Tests conducted at the Iyam River proved the robot effective at gathering and retrieving floating trash.
Inciong added that aside from being fun to operate, the robot offers significant environmental benefits.
He believes that if more people use or "play" with this type of robot, a larger volume of waste can be recovered from waterways.
He also called on local government units (LGUs) to take notice of his invention and expressed willingness to collaborate with authorities to refine the design and build a larger version of the robot to support more extensive river rehabilitation efforts.

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