From Students to Social Entrepreneurs in Ifugao, Philippines

Diane Tamir, Mahmoud Kabalan,

Jordan Ermilio, Pritpal Singh and James Klingler

Villanova University

AgendaTell the stories of the “transformation” of 2

studentsBriefly talk about their new ventureSee it in the context of how NCIIA supported

field experience impacts the career aspirations of students

ContextSustainable Vision Grant: Clean Water and

Energy Technology for Ifugao, Philippines Provide Technical Assistance to Local InventorsFacilitate a Small Business Development ProgramAssist Local Entrepreneurs Establish Sustainable

Business VenturesTeam

Faculty from Business and EngineeringEngineering students seeking inspiration for

senior projects

Where is Ifugao, and Maggok?

Maggok

Diane TamirMember of the initial

Assessment team as a sophomore

ME with a minor in Entrepreneurship

Manhattan, NYCNOT looking for a

senior project topicDedicated to “service”

and “helping”½ Filipino

Mahmoud KabalanJordanian citizenMS EE studentDr. Singh, Chair of

ECE as his mentor

ChronologySummer 2009 Diane is part of Assessment team –

first trip to Maggok, and first look at the micro-hydro plant. Participates as facilitator in ENT workshops.

Spring 2010 Diane and Mahmoud participate in NCIIA AI2V workshop at Stanford

Summer 2010 Diane: Internship with NGO in Ifugao doing further work on Maggok and assisting in Entrepreneurship workshops. Mahmoud visits for 2 weeks with faculty from Business and Engineering

Fall 201o, Diane’s senior project: Design of a 1 MW system for village in Ifugao province. Mahmoud working with her on design.

Chronology (continued)Spring 2011 Diane graduated, and Mahmoud

completed his masters degree, and entered the Ph.D. program in sustainable engineering

Summer 2011 Diane: attended International Development Design Summit, (IDDS) Ghana

Fall 2011 Diane and Mahmoud encouraged to request funding for feasibility planning for implementation of planned 1MW system. Plan funded ($20,000)

Fall, 2011, Diane departs for Philippines. Mahmoud follows in later in the fall.

Current statusDiane and Mahmoud working hard to identify

a site for their initial 1MW system. On schedule and on track.Creating relationshipsBuilding community supportLining up suppliersMaking initial site-specific design and business

modelMaggok site in disarray. Funding issues and

damage from summer typhoon.

NCIIA’s roleThe grants (and the process of applying and

revisions) empowered our faculty team to engage students in a unique field experience. Not another service learning tripnot “Voluntourism”

AI2V process engaged the students as equals in the process, and challenged their way of thinking.If you don’t do the community building and get the

community to buy in, the technology will not lastLegitimacy when asking others for money.Forum to discuss lessons learned and to learn

from others.

ConclusionsDiane feels that she and Mahmoud no longer

think like engineers, but rather like Social Entrepreneurs.

They see things as interwoven systems, not as stand alone components.

“Culture might be the most important consideration when trying to implement a design”.

Thank you. Any Questions?