CSNHS students researchers receive Naga’s financial grant for lifesaving drone project

By Jason B. Neola

FOUR Grade 10 students from Camarines Sur National High School (CSNHS) are developing an Autonomous Flood Rescue Drone, a project aimed at improving disaster response and rescue operations in flood-prone areas.

The student researchers are enrolled in the school’s Science and Technology Engineering Program (STEP).

Led by Guian Emmanuel Beriso, the young innovators designed the drone to survey flooded areas, collect critical data, produce digital maps, and pinpoint locations where people and animals are trapped. The device will also have the capability to transmit messages to authorities and responders, expediting rescue efforts.

Development of the drone began in October 2024 but was hampered by financial constraints. The students, however, received a significant boost when the Naga City government, through its Research and Development Fund Assistance Review Committee, granted them ₱44,000 to support their project. The grant came with the condition that they must pursue the development until the technology is fully realized.

The city’s support aligns with Ordinance No. 2021-057, which established the Naga City Digital Innovation and Startup Development Program. The measure, authored by City Councilor Jose B. Perez with co-authors Councilors Jose C. Rañola, Mila S.D. Raquid-Arroyo, and Joselito S.A. Del Rosario, Ph.D., provides incentives and benefits to startup initiatives and innovative projects.

According to the student researchers, their initiative is meant to assist the local government in disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM). However, they clarified that their project was not directly influenced by the devastation caused by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, which recently brought unprecedented flooding to the city.

The Police Regional Office in Bicol reported that 21 people died and nine were injured due to the storm’s onslaught in the region.

With the city government’s support, the CSNHS students are now pushing forward to complete their Autonomous Flood Rescue Drone, which could become a game-changer in disaster response and humanitarian efforts.

THE Science and Technology Engineering Program (STEP) of Camarines Sur National High School is currently developing since October last year the Autonomous Flood Rescue Drone, an innovative digital response tool designed for efficient deployment during calamities. Research adviser Vivencia Labay discusses the ongoing project, being worked on by student researchers Franczeska Lou Badong, Guian Emmanuel Beriso, Niño Florenz Aragon, and Charles Estiva, with the members of the Naga City Hall Press Corps. NGOK VILLARINO/CEPPIO