A small island community in Concepcion, Iloilo is now harnessing wind energy for power and disaster preparedness, following the installation of a vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) system under the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) Project DAGAT.

Barangay Botlog is among the three island communities in Western Visayas selected for the pilot initiative, formally known as Driving Advancement, Generating Access, and Transforming Small Island Communities.

DOST-6 Regional Director Engr. Rowen Gelonga said the project aims to introduce targeted technological interventions that strengthen disaster resilience and energy security in isolated island barangays.

“For every island community, we pilot a different technology based on their needs,” Gelonga said. “In Barangay Botlog, we focused on wind energy to provide an additional and reliable source of electricity.”

The VAWT system captures wind energy to power lighting and charging facilities in the community, reducing dependence on conventional electricity sources and improving resilience during emergencies.

Under the pilot setup, electricity generated by the turbine will be used to light up shoreline areas through streetlights and supply power at the barangay hall, where residents can charge mobile phones and small appliances.

The streetlights were provided by the local government unit, while the turbine system was installed through the DOST project.

The wind turbine has a capacity of one kilowatt, which Gelonga said is enough to power more than 200 light bulbs.

The system is currently undergoing a dry run to test its technical specifications and performance before any expansion of its use.

“If everything performs well, we can explore broader applications of the generated electricity,” Gelonga said.

To complement wind power during periods of weak airflow, the system also includes auxiliary solar panels for daytime energy generation.

Beyond power generation, the project includes the installation of an automated weather station in the barangay.

Residents were trained to understand weather parameters and equipped with basic disaster risk reduction knowledge to help them prepare for extreme weather events.

The project was officially unveiled during a ceremony in Barangay Botlog on Dec. 19.

Project DAGAT is a collaborative effort involving the DOST, Central Philippine University (CPU), and Northern Iloilo State University, with funding support from the Department of Economy, Planning and Development through its Innovation Grant program.

Gelonga noted that data generated from the Botlog pilot will be used to further refine wind turbine designs and improve efficiency.

He added that CPU established a wind energy research center three years ago, where components of the turbine system were tested.

Aside from Botlog, two other island communities are part of the program. In Unisan Island, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras, the project is nearing completion and focuses on a water desalination facility in partnership with John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University.

Meanwhile, in Mararison Island in Culasi, Antique, the initiative centers on disaster preparedness, including the installation of an automated weather station and training on evacuation mapping, first aid, and emergency response.

“The goal is to tailor solutions that respond to the actual needs of island communities,” Gelonga said, adding that the technologies are meant to help residents become more self-reliant and disaster-ready.IMT