STUDENTS of the Batangas State University Alangilan Campus won third place in the World Engineering Day Hackathon jointly organized by UNESCO, Engineers Without Borders International, and The Big Creative recently.

Team AdventURINE composed of BS Sanitary Engineering students Jose Luis Valencia, Nathaniel Regodon, and Maureen Fadullo was recognized for their innovative design “Green Sustainable Phyto-fence Assembled using Cured Source-collected Urine for Urban Environmental Balance.”

The group’s solution is a sustainable phyto-fence constructed from treated source-collected urine, which addressed Challenge 3 of the competition: Protecting the Most Vulnerable from Extreme Heat in Refugee Camps and Temporary Shelters.

“Their project ingeniously addresses the vital need for cooling in temporary settlements and improving hygiene and sanitation. By encouraging the use of designated urinals and treating collected urine for microalgae cultivation, they create a closed-loop system that promotes both urban living needs and ecological balance,” the university said.

“Significantly, this solution is powered entirely by solar energy, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and enhancing climate-friendly initiatives. Through their approach, Team AdventURINE demonstrates the power of innovation to address complex challenges while prioritizing sustainability and environmental stewardship,” it added.

The BatStateU students were awarded a prize of €1,000 for their innovative design.

They were guided by their mentor Dr. Mark Sibag.

“The dedication and creativity exhibited by Team AdventURINE exemplify the spirit of innovation and problem-solving that we strive to cultivate at Batangas State University,” BatStateU President Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo said. “Their success on the global stage upholds our commitment to nurturing excellence in engineering education and research.”

With over 2,500 students from more than 35 countries participating, the WED Hackathon represents a global initiative for cooperation and innovation in engineering.

This year’s hackathon focuses on Climate Action to resonate with Sustainable Development Goal 12. The challenges were designed to stimulate inventive solutions to some of the world’s most pressing environmental issues.