Energy
Since Fall of 2012, the UCSD One Village Philippines Energy Team has focused on developing a low-cost solution to the Enchanted Farm’s lighting needs. In order to reduce the need from the electrical grid, our solution is to design a solar-powered lamp post. Our lamppost will incorporate a solar battery charging circuit and automated lighting using LED's, based on ambient light. The circuitry in our prototype consists of common electrical components also available in the Philippines. In conjunction with the structures subteam, we will also be designing the weatherproof structure and lamp head housing needed to withstand the weather conditions in the Philippines. We hope that this solar lamp post will provide light in times of darkness.
Water
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that one in six people do not readily have access to fresh water that is required daily for cooking, drinking, and other activities. In the rural and poorer metro areas of the Philippines, clean water is often a luxury. In light of that, our team's goal is to create a water filtration system that adequately addresses the needs of Gawad Kalinga and meets their three criteria. These criteria include costliness, effectiveness, and aesthetics. In terms of effectiveness, by the end of the quarter we aim to have a functioning, portable prototype of our water filtration system. This system, while still being designed, is intended to inspire innovation and social entrepreneurship for the Enchanted Farms in the Philippines. In lieu of TIES and of our client, it is imperative to build such a system out of reasonable and fairly inexpensive materials while not compromising purpose. And lastly, we aim to create this filtration device in a tasteful manner that encourages use by villagers.
Structures
The structures sub team is currently finalizing the structural design of the solar energy lamppost with a specific focus on an efficient, maintainable, and weatherproofed design. The team is also working to perform physical testing on a hurricane strap with modifications that permit low tech construction. Although these projects will be completed this spring quarter, the team is looking into alternative house construction to more effectively sustain the environmental loads present in the Philippines. The team is currently researching sandbag houses as a low cost solution to flooding and high wind loads common in the Philippines. This potential future project can also offer Gawad Kalinga Enchanted Farm a marketable industry.
Subteams
- Energy Team
- Water Team
- Structures Team
Client
Gawad Kalinga (GK) is a non-profit organization based in the Philippines, dedicated to eradicate poverty by empowering local Filipino communities. This organization is well known and well respected in the Philippines for its outstanding work for its citizens. It’s ultimate goal is to end poverty for 5 million families by the year 2024. The success of its growth can be measured by its three-step developmental model. Each step is a phase that lasts seven years. The first phase, entitled “Social Justice,” was accomplished after providing 700,000 homes for 7,000 communities. GK is currently is its second phase, entitled “Social Artistry.” This phase focuses on providing community-based programs to educate community members about the environment, productivity, personal health, and education. The One Village Philippines team’s client, the Gawad Kalinga Enchanted Farm, is more than just a sanctuary for poverty-stricken people, it is place of cultivation for social entrepreneurship, development, and sustainability. The Enchanted Farm is one of twenty-four Centers for Social Innovation (CSI). These centers are launching grounds for social entrepreneurs to start their businesses, fueled by Filipino labor, aimed to make a positive impact on the nation’s economy and its citizens. The social entrepreneurship aspect thrives through its education, investment, and tourism attraction. In addition to raising crops at the Enchanted Farm, it also teaches students and community members about innovative and sustainable farming techniques. Because the majority of the Enchanted Farm population is growing older, there is a need for a new generation of farmers to take over. The Enchanted Farm is a place where tourists can come see the development of what Gawad Kalinga has become today.
