Spark of Innovation: A Career Orientation Program for Senior High School Students

Written by Jay-r P. Daguyen
Photos courtesy of Elmer Bustamante and Rosemarie Catano


The Philippine Technological Council (PTC), in partnership with the USAID Energy Secure Philippines (ESP) project and the University of Baguio High School, has been making significant strides in promoting renewable energy education through its Women Engineers as Instruments for Sustainable Engineering in Renewable Energies (WISER) initiative. This program aims to empower students, by equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to address the pressing challenges posed by climate change. Additionally, the partnership aims to conduct a series of seminar-workshops focused on renewable energy, further enhancing students’ understanding and engagement in this critical field.

On October 14, 2024, the UB Legacy Hall served as the venue for the first session of an enlightening series of seminars where industry experts Mr. Ivan Jude Santonia and Ms. Bianca Loraine Fajarillo, PTC WISER Project Officers shared their insights on how engineering can effectively combat climate change through the promotion of renewable energy. They provided real-world examples illustrating the critical role of engineering in developing sustainable solutions that transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. Their presentations emphasized innovative practices and technologies that can be employed to mitigate environmental impacts but also significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This demonstrates how engineers are at the forefront of creating a sustainable future, essential for addressing the urgent challenges posed by climate change.

Student participants, teachers, and guest speakers from the Philippine Technological Council (PTC) gather for a group photo, celebrating their shared commitment to education and innovation.

Following these insightful discussions, students participated in an innovative workshop focused on renewable energy sources, particularly wind energy. This hands-on experience allowed participants to design and create working models of wind turbines, fostering creativity and practical skills essential for future engineers. By engaging in this interactive workshop, students not only learned about the mechanics of wind energy, but also understood its potential as a viable alternative to fossil fuels.

The series of seminars continued on December 15, 2024, with the second session at the UB Legacy Hall, where Ms. Cleorita Maricon Sadiaza, Project Officer of the PTC WISER Project, Dr. Mary Rose Imperial, Project Manager of the PTC WISER Project, and Engr. Christina Ong, IECEP CAR Chapter presented their insights into various engineering fields and their contributions to renewable energy development. Their discussions highlighted emerging trends in technology and innovation within the renewable energy sector, showcasing how engineers can drive progress in sustainability.

Students proudly display their innovative improvised windmills, crafted from readily available materials, showcasing their creativity and engineering skills in harnessing renewable energy.

The session also included mentoring opportunities for students to connect directly with industry professionals, enhancing their understanding of potential career pathways in engineering. Interacting with experienced engineers allowed students to gain insights into real-world applications of their studies and the diverse career options available in renewable energy.

In addition to these discussions, students engaged in another workshop that focused specifically on solar energy. This session broadened their knowledge of renewable resources and allowed them to explore practical applications of solar technology. By participating in both workshops—on wind and solar energy—students gained a comprehensive understanding of different renewable energy sources and their significance in combating climate change.

Students proudly present their innovative project on improvised solar energy solutions, showing how common materials can become sustainable energy sources. Their creativity emphasizes the importance of renewable energy and inspires innovative thinking in addressing environmental challenges.

Both sessions were aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). By emphasizing these goals, the PTC and USAID ESP: WISER Project are fostering a sense of responsibility among students to contribute to global sustainability efforts.

The initiatives led by the PTC and USAID ESP: WISER Project in partnership with the UB High School represent a transformative approach to engineering education that equips students with essential skills to tackle climate change challenges. By focusing on hands-on workshops and mentorship opportunities, these programs not only enhance academic learning but also prepare students for impactful careers in renewable energy engineering. Ultimately, this initiative cultivates a generation of engineers committed to sustainability, empowering them to drive meaningful change within their communities and contribute to a greener future for all.

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