Filipino ingenuity at work in Yolanda aftermath

Rappler.com

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Power remains scarce in Tacloban, but a resourceful resident finds a way

TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines – Power has not been restored in Tacloban City, but a resourceful resident finds a way.

Bea Cupin reports.

With a turn, a twist, and a crank comes precious electricity.
It’s a nifty invention by Michael Dejarlo, an electrician in Tacloban.
In the aftermath of Yolanda power is a scarce commodity in the city.
Michael’s invention can charge flashlights and even cellphones

MICHAEL DEJARLO, HAIYAN SURVIVOR: Bale nakagawa kami yung mga ceiling fan namin na nasira ng bagyo, nagawa kami ng paraan na makumpuni. Makakuha ng kuryente, magamit para makacharge ng flashlight.
(We were able to generate electricity, using ceiling fans that were damaged during Haiyan. It can charge flashlights.)

Small ceiling fans connected to a socket can generate around 47 volts.
Two fan motors powered by a discarded bike can generate up to 300 volts.

DEJARLO: Mashado pong mahirap kasi sa siyudad kami naninirahan. Sanay kami na may TV, tsaka yung computer. Syempre, hindi rin mainit. Ngayon, talagang… parang yung buhay namin naglaho talaga parang nawawalan ba ng pag-asa.
(It’s hard because we live in the city. We’re used to TVs, computers, fans. Now that life is different, we’re losing hope.)

Right now, Locals who need to charge their gadgets plug in charging stations scattered across the city.

DEJARLO: Hindi ko alam kung may nakagawa na nito, pero yung sa akin lang makatulong. So yung hindi pa alam, pwede kopyahin lang para makatulong ba sa tao.
(I’m not sure if I’m the first person to make this. All I want is to help people. Those who haven’t discovered this yet can copy it.)

Energy secretary and former Leyte governor Jericho Petilla says he’ll resign if power isn’t restored by December.

BEA CUPIN, REPORTING: Without power in the city, Yolanda survivors face an uphill climb before life goes back to the way it was. Survivors like Michael rely on their ingenuity. They find ways to improvise and make life a little easier.

Grocery stores are back in business.
Roads are slowly being cleared of debris.
And with people like Michael and their inventions, the road to “normalcy” may just be around the corner.
Bea Cupin, Rappler, Tacloban city.

– Rappler.com

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