A STUDENT from the Technological Institute of the Philippines developed a 4-in-1 rechargeable emergency kit from recyclable materials.

Paul Bryan Mancenido, a fourth-year Engineering student, built a device that features a handy flashlight, lamp, electric fan, and USB charging port all rolled into one.

“My mantra has always been not to let go of scrap materials just yet. They can still be reused and recycled, especially now when we can’t easily go out due to the pandemic,” Mancenido said.

His father, who is an air-conditioning mechanic, motivated him to experiment with broken motor parts and repair them for free.

When Mancenido realized that he wanted to build a career and a legacy out of his hobby, he decided to take Electrical Engineering.

“People would belittle my ideas sometimes, and even my parents would caution me every now and then; but I know in my heart that I’ve got something to give. They may not understand it now; but someday, when I’m already a full-fledged manufacturing engineer, they will,” Mancenido stressed.

Ariel Magat, program chair of TIP electrical engineering department, lauded Mancenido’s 4-in-1 rechargeable emergency kit, stressing that the project “would open up bright ideas from other students and young inventors.”

“This multifunctional invention made from scraps shows that breakthroughs don’t necessarily mean discovering new things, it may also be about looking at improving those around us,” Magat said.

“This would encourage them to explore integration of various concepts and technology – things that are already on hand but just waiting to be tapped and reproduced into innovative tools, gadgets, or equipment,” he added.