Southland IT students create Wi-Fi Vendo from plastic bottles

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD CITY – As digital connectivity becomes increasingly essential, three graduating information technology (IT) students from Southland College in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, have devised a novel way to access the internet sustainably by converting plastic bottles into Wi-Fi credits.

Fourth-year students Hans Wesley Platil, Jaspher Valiao, both 22, and Genefredrich Bayor, 23, invented a Wi-Fi vending machine that operates by recycling 500 ml plastic bottles for internet access.

The project, which is part of Southland’s School of Engineering, Computer Studies, and Architecture (SECSA) Fest 2024 Capstone and Project, took nearly a year to complete with an investment of P30,000.

Platil described the development as challenging, especially balancing project work with their studies.

“It was also a challenge to train the system for data accuracy, given our limited time,” he said.

Despite facing numerous hurdles and considering giving up, the group persisted with their innovation, supported by their mentors, school officials, and families. Bayor mentioned the significant encouragement they received.

“The support from people who believed in our capabilities kept us going,” he said.

The machine, currently 90% operational, accepts 500 ml plastic bottles and converts them into internet usage credits.

The team plans further system upgrades and testing before a full public launch, aiming to accommodate various sizes and types of plastic bottles.

The Wi-Fi vending machine was displayed at an exhibit at City Mall Kabankalan from April 22 to 26, as part of the SECSA Fest 2024 10th Capstone and Project Display, headed by Dean Nolan Fernandez and Capstone Coordinator Daniel Tagulalac Jr.

Tagulalac highlighted the fest’s goal to showcase students’ potential and their contributions to societal development.

“The Wi-Fi vending machine will be exclusively displayed at the school for student use as part of our product teaching presentation exhibit set for the third week of May,” he said.

The project aligns with Southland College’s mission to address environmental and social challenges through technological innovation, promoting recycling and enhancing digital connectivity in underserved communities.

Jonah Navarro of the school’s Community Involvement and Extension Services outlined plans for the recycled plastics, including molding and shredding the bottles to create flower pots, bricks, or tiles.

“We hope to inspire more young people to get involved in recycling,” Navarro said, noting that the college has been promoting plastic bottle recycling long before this project commenced.

The school, which had to pause its recycling initiatives due to the pandemic and Typhoon Odette, remains committed to resuming these activities and expanding their impact.