PH students bring home int’l prize for wind energy project
What began as a Grade 9 research requirement turned into a journey of countless revisions, emotional breakdowns, and ultimately, an international award for three young Filipino student researchers from Angeles City Science High School.
On May 15, Asher John Garcia, Nathan Daniel Canilao, and Pierre Phoella Ilagan secured the 2nd Grand Award in the Energy category at the prestigious Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (Isef) in Phoenix, Arizona, earning a $2,400 prize for their project, WinDTurbinePower.
For four months, the group worked tirelessly on a project aimed at improving wind turbine efficiency—a feat that eventually earned them a spot in the world’s biggest precollege science competition.
Usually conducted every May, the Isef gathers nearly 1,700 high school students from more than 60 countries to vie for millions of dollars’ worth of prizes.
“The growing need for an efficient small-scale wind energy system led to the investigation of a biomimetic combination of hammerhead shark-inspired tubercles and golf ball dimple surface roughness to enhance aerodynamic performance and energy generation,” the students said in their abstract.
“To improve its performance, we adopted tubercles from hammerhead sharks to improve flow stability, and dimples from golf balls to enhance lift-to-drag radio,” Ilagan explained.
“First, we 3D modeled them on CAD software in Onshape. Then, we tested over 200 variations on SimScale software,” Garcia said.
Refining the concept
Their coach, Lolit Bautista, said mentoring the young researchers was unlike anything she had experienced before.
“This was my first time handling such young and fresh researchers,” she recalled. “Most of the students I usually mentor are in Grade 10 or seniors already familiar with research. With them, I had to guide them from the very beginning.”
The students admitted they experienced burnout and moments of discouragement prior to the international competition.
They often stayed in school until evening, continuing their work even after going home, sometimes exchanging ideas as late as 10 p.m. or sending messages in the early hours of the morning to refine their concept.
The students also shared how they initially did not expect to receive major recognition at the competition, which featured strong entries from various countries.
“There was this judge that really liked the story behind our project because it seemed like their interests aligned with our study. So, we were really happy that they genuinely liked our research,” Ilagan said.
The team estimated their project cost around P10,000, mostly spent on prototype development using recycled and locally sourced materials.
“These are only prototypes, so they still need to be reengineered if they are really going to be used in actual scenarios,” said Bautista, adding that their project has potential and should be supported.
The project was also prodded by the power outages that Ilagan and Canilao experienced.
“These outages disrupted our studies, our goals, and the things we need to accomplish,” said Canilao.
More than talent
The mentor, who now spends much of her time training students and teachers, believes that “in this field, talent alone is not enough.”
She added “You need heart. Research takes time, patience, and collaboration,” emphasizing that success depends on partnerships with institutions, organizations, and communities willing to work together toward a common goal.
Ilagan encouraged fellow youth not to underestimate themselves. “You don’t need to be the smartest person to enter research,” Ilagan shared. “If you’re creative, consistent, and willing to learn from mistakes, small steps can lead to huge opportunities.”
Canilao and Garcia highlighted the importance of curiosity and taking risks.
“Always ask questions and keep learning,” Canilao said.
“Continue growing, and don’t let challenges stop you,” added Garcia.
‘Start dreaming’
Bautista said that every Filipino, regardless of profession, age, or social status, has a role to play in nation-building.
“Don’t say you are too young to contribute,” she said, adding that studying well is already a large contribution.
As environmental challenges continue to affect the world, Bautista believes in investing in young scientists and researchers. She said the future of the Philippines depends on empowering young people early by giving them opportunities to dream, discover, and contribute.
“To students like them: Start dreaming. Aim for something. Don’t underestimate your potential. You have something valuable that you can contribute.
Bautista also urged the government to give full support to young researchers.
“Don’t kill their momentum at the start. When you know young people have potential, support them and help them continue.”
Canilao hopes to pursue electrical engineering, Ilagan is interested in becoming a marine biologist, while Garcia plans to take up computer science.
