Wazzup Pilipinas!?
The Philippines has long been a nation of dreamers and doers, individuals who dare to reimagine possibilities and reshape industries. In a world facing unprecedented environmental and technological challenges, Filipino innovators are stepping up to introduce groundbreaking solutions that address pressing global issues. Among them are four visionaries—Kenn Michael Uy, Oliver Evangelista, Dr. Annabelle Briones, and Mabelline Cahulogan—who will represent the Philippines at the prestigious 50th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva (IEIG), showcasing their revolutionary contributions to sustainable development, food security, disaster resilience, and technological advancement.
Transforming Coconut Waste into Sustainable Structures
At the forefront of sustainable material innovation is Kenn Michael Uy, the founder and CEO of Lesstics, Inc. Fueled by a deep commitment to uplifting Filipino coconut farmers, he pioneered the development of the Coir-Reinforced Bio-Based High-Density Polyurethane Composite, a cutting-edge technology that transforms waste coconut husks into durable, high-quality structural panels. These panels serve as sustainable alternatives to wood-based materials in construction and furniture-making, addressing both environmental conservation and economic empowerment.
With a background in Nursing from Cebu Normal University and currently pursuing a master’s degree in Business Administration at Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, Uy embodies the spirit of interdisciplinary innovation. His work is not only reducing agricultural waste but also providing Filipino farmers with a new avenue for financial growth and environmental stewardship.
Revolutionizing Salt Harvesting Technology
In the realm of food production, Oliver Evangelista, a food technologist and senior science research specialist at DOST-ITDI, is leading efforts to modernize salt farming. Alongside his dedicated team—Raeyjan V. Marfal, Jayson B. Nuval, and Dr. Annabelle V. Briones—Evangelista developed the Three-in-One Salt Crusher, Washer, and Harvester, a game-changing innovation that cuts salt harvesting time by up to 50%, significantly boosting efficiency and productivity.
With a master’s degree in Food Science from the University of the Philippines Diliman and extensive international training in agribusiness and food processing in the Netherlands and Japan, Evangelista is bringing global best practices to local salt farmers. His invention addresses one of the biggest bottlenecks in the salt industry—time-consuming and labor-intensive processing—while ensuring higher-quality, cleaner, and more abundant salt production.
Advancing Salt Purification for a Healthier Nation
Another key player in the salt industry’s modernization is Dr. Annabelle Briones, the esteemed Director of DOST-ITDI. With four decades of research and development experience, she spearheaded the Improved Salt Technologies (I-Salt) Project, leading to the creation of the Continuous Screw-Type Salt Washer. This breakthrough machine efficiently removes contaminants, ensuring that harvested salt meets the 97% purity standard mandated by the Republic Act 8172 (ASIN Law).
Dr. Briones holds a doctorate in engineering from Keio University-Japan, a master’s degree in chemistry from the University of Santo Tomas, and a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Xavier University-Cagayan De Oro. Her relentless pursuit of innovation ensures that Filipino consumers receive safer and higher-quality salt, ultimately strengthening the country's food safety and industry standards.
Harnessing Science for Disaster Resilience
As climate change intensifies the frequency and severity of natural disasters, the need for data-driven disaster preparedness has never been more urgent. Mabelline Cahulogan, a geologist and officer-in-charge of the Geology and Geophysics Research and Development Division at PHIVOLCS-DOST, is championing technological solutions that enhance disaster risk reduction efforts.
Cahulogan, together with her team, developed HazardHunter PH and GeoAnalytics PH, two multi-agency platforms that integrate natural hazard data into planning and decision-making. These innovations empower local governments, businesses, and citizens with real-time information, significantly improving disaster response strategies.
With a master’s degree in Natural Hazards from the Australian National University and a bachelor’s degree in Geology from the University of the Philippines-Diliman, Cahulogan is leading the charge in strengthening science-based risk assessment and preparedness, ultimately saving lives and minimizing disaster impacts.
A Future Shaped by Filipino Ingenuity
These remarkable individuals represent the resilience, brilliance, and determination of Filipino innovators. As they take center stage at the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva (IEIG), they bring with them not only their groundbreaking technologies but also the aspirations of a nation striving for sustainable progress.
Their innovations—whether in sustainable construction, salt processing, or disaster resilience—underscore the Philippines’ capacity to lead in science and technology. As we celebrate their achievements, let us also recognize the crucial role of continued support for research, entrepreneurship, and government collaboration in fostering homegrown innovation.
The future is being shaped today, and these Filipino pioneers are lighting the way. Let’s rally behind them as they make history on the global stage.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
.jpg)
Post a Comment