TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwanese student Ray Ko (柯晟睿) has invented and donated 500 solar-powered water purification bottles to a Manila fishing village to improve access to clean drinking water and lighting, CNA reported.

Ko, along with the charity organization Metro World Child, visited a fishing village near Navotas City on Thursday. According to the organization, the village is home to more than 10,000 people, many of whom rely on fishing or shell cleaning to make a living, earning around NT$90 (US$3) daily.

Ko said the bottle's filter uses hollow fiber membranes and activated carbon, a material known for absorbing impurities and odors, to remove more than 99% of the bacteria and parasites in water. Once filled with water, the filter begins working and can be used for about two years.

The bottle, which is made from food-grade plastic, weighs 290 grams and is easy to carry. It also includes a built-in light that can be charged via solar power or a Type-C plug, with a full charge lasting up to six hours.

Ko noted that he worked with a manufacturer to create a 3D model of the bottle and went through three prototypes before finalizing the product. He was inspired to create the bottle after watching a documentary at age 14 about the challenges faced by children in developing countries.

The bottle won this year’s Red Dot Design Award and A' Design Award. In 2023, it was also recognized by the Muse Design Awards and the Contemporary Good Design Award.

To date, Ko has donated thousands of such bottles to countries including Burkina Faso, Kenya, and Honduras. He plans to begin selling the bottles and will donate part of the proceeds to charity to help more individuals in need.

In July, many Taiwanese businesspeople operating in the Philippines also partnered with Metro World Child to donate around 300 backpacks, school supplies, uniforms, and pairs of shoes to local children.