Hydraulic Ram Pump in Top 3 of BBC World Challenge
The Philippines’ entry to the BBC World Challenge 2010 – an indigenous hydraulic ram pump – has been voted as one of the top three projects among 12 finalists worldwide.
Auke Idzenga, the founder and executive director of the Negros-based Alternative Indigenous Development Foundation, Inc. (AIDFI), broke the news in an email to the Manila Bulletin, disclosing that the Philippine invention received over 167,000 votes from all over the world to earn a spot in the top three projects.
“We thank all the people who cast their vote for AIDFI, the only Philippine entry in the Challenge and the support given during the campaign,” Idzenga wrote.
The hydraulic ram pump project, called “The Only Way is Up,” does not use fuel to spur it into action but uses instead the kinetic energy of the river. Custom-made from door hinges, car tires, pipes, and steel, the AIDFI pump model which was invented by Idzenga could raise 20 to 40 liters of water directly to elevated communities. The pump can last up to three years if properly maintained.
The pump, according to Idzenga, has already supplied water to about 170 villages, giving relief to some 50,000 beneficiaries all over the country.
A Dutchman who has made Negros Occidental his home for 25 years now, Idzenga, 42, said he invented the pump out of necessity seeing that the province lacked water supply.
“Before we introduced the pump, people in our community were only getting 20 to 40 liters of water. Now, they receive about 500 to 1,000 liters a day,” Idzenga told Manila Bulletin in an earlier interview.
While the hydraulic ram pump already existed in the 1700’s, Idzenga explains their model was cheaper by P300 to P500 compared to commercial brands, but still works as efficient.
“Our models are much sexier looking,” Idzenga said, comparing his invention to the bulky types of imported pumps. “It is also made from local materials so communities will be able to maintain it,” he added.
Idzenga’s invention earlier won an Ashden award for Sustainable Energy in London. Since then, AIDFI has received inquiries on the application of their technology for irrigation in other countries like Afghanistan, Cambodia, and Columbia.
Asked why he chose to help the local provincial communities and represent the Philippines, Idezenga cited the determination and passion of Filipinos which he admired.
“We are on the top of the world in this kind of low-cost technologies. Let us show the world what the Filipinos can do,” Idzenga said. (Story courtesy
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