Thai princess cites General Santos principal for inventions

MANILA, Philippines - This public elementary school principal has developed a functional portable windmill, modified solar panels and a magnetic field-run water system.

The inventions of William Moraca, principal of the Datal Salvan Elementary School in General Santos City, have provided electricity and potable water to B’laan and T’boli indigenous communities.

Moraca recently received an award from a member of the Thai royal family for his inventions that have benefited his students and their families.

He is this year’s recipient of the Princess Maha Chakri Award for the Philippines.

The award gives recognition to dedicated teachers in Southeast Asia whose outstanding achievements generate benefits to education and human development.

Moraca’s inventions have helped the residents of Sitios Datal Salvan and Klolang since 2011.

Residents used to walk several kilometers just to get water from a stream.

“What I did was make the water flow from the river to the community and eventually the schools. I did this by using magnetic field force, so the water went up at the rate of 1.2 liters per second the first time we used the gadget,” Moarca said.

Moraca, who has a background in electronics, also converted the solar panel of the community for shorter charging time. This provided energy to power the lights in the school and in the community.

Department of Education undersecretary for legal and legislative affairs Alberto Muyot lauded the contribution of Moraca to the community.

Muyot said Moraca also innovated and converted low-cost materials for hands-on and participative teaching materials for Mathematics, Science and Social Studies. He also developed an ecotourism area that provides livelihood in the community of Sitio Datal Salvan.

“He received numerous commendations for improvising and developing other materials not only for his school, but also for other schools in General Santos City,” Muyot said. “For his selfless acts in public service using education as his platform, the department feels that William is truly deserving of this award.”

“We thank Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn for inspiring our nation-builders in Southeast Asia. We feel that this award embodies the victories of the human spirit in the continuing quest for the improvement of the quality of life of the people through education.

“We also thank Her Royal Highness for recognizing teachers who have inspired their communities and have initiated positive changes in the communities and in the country,” he added.