Young inventors redefine future

News about this “steal-proof” bicycle developed by engineering students from Chile is making the rounds in social media. Called the “Yerka,” the young inventors have made it unprofitable for thieves to steal a bike because the lock is made up of detachable lower frames that are then connected to the seat and then locked to the post (as shown in the screen grab photo from the yerkaproject.com video).

So if anyone tries to steal the two-wheeler, they would have to dismantle the frames, destroying the bike and rendering it unusable and, therefore, useless. The engineering kids have actually developed a website soliciting funding for the production of at least a thousand bikes by mid 2015 – which would certainly fit in well with Chile’s campaign to encourage people to switch from cars to bicycles. Aside from reducing the cost of transportation because it does not need gas or diesel to run, bikes are environment friendly because they do not contribute to air pollution, not to mention that they provide exercise for the rider. Who knows, the bicycle could turn out to be the real “King of the Road” someday.

The fact is, more and more students are coming out with innovative ideas that have the potential to solve some of the problems that we face today. In fact, young Filipino students are turning out to be very innovative and creative as seen in the entries during science fairs. For instance, there was this prototype for a device that could turn off electrical appliances that were left running at home through a cellphone that could “call” the device. Still another group of students came up with a gadget where school kids could swipe their school ID – which then sends a text message to parents informing them that their child is now inside the school. An ultrasonic light device is also very promising, because it helps the blind or visually impaired persons detect if there is an obstruction on their path. Apparently, the inventors were inspired by the echolocation ability of bats that help the creatures find their way in the dark.

But perhaps one of the most impressive so far is the country’s first ever solar powered car that was invented by engineering students from La Salle in 2007. Called the Sinag, the car is clear proof of Filipino genius and ingenuity – and brings us closer to the dream of manufacturing vehicles that could run on renewable energy. Sinag has since undergone several revisions, and its latest incarnation is Sikat II which has a more sleek design with an average speed of 80 kph and a maximum of 110 kph.

Sikat II did great in the Solar Challenge Adventure Class race, placing first in the prequalifying rounds and ending third in the finals. Obviously, a lot of work would be needed for the country to manufacture vehicles that would make use of solar energy or other renewable/alternative energy sources, but the La Salle students and faculty have demonstrated that the Filipino has what it takes when it comes to innovative technology that could help solve some of the pressing problems of this planet.

Philex bags Corporate Governance award

Philex Mining Corporation was named the Corporate Governance Company of the Year at the recent Asia CEO Awards held at the Solaire Resort and Casino in the PAGCOR Entertainment City Complex in Paranaque. The country’s biggest gold and copper producer’s implementation of higher standards in good corporate governance has not been unnoticed, since it was also cited by the prestigious regional publication Corporate Governance Asia that adjudged Philex as “Asia’s Most Promising Company on Corporate Governance” in awarding ceremonies held in Hong Kong Recently.

On hand to receive the award at the Renaissance Harbor View Hotel were Philex president Euls Austin and SVP Mike Toledo, who noted that the mining company has been consistent in upholding responsible mining practices, and has worked hard in partnering with government in nation building. Receiving the Asia CEO Award at Solaire on the other hand was Philex chief finance officer Danny Yu.

NCCA lifts CDO on Sta. Ana project

Spy Bits received a statement from real estate company CDC Holdings that the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) has lifted the cease-and-desist order issued against the developer’s Rivergreen Residences project in Sta. Ana, Manila. Several conservationist groups including Sta. Ana residents have expressed opposition to the 30-story condominium project which had been given an exemption by the Manila City council for the seven-story height limitation under the 2006 Manila Zoning Ordinance of 2006.

CDC Legal Counsel Carlo Bautista said, “The lifting of NCCA’s CDO is just another testament that the company is indeed clear of all assertions against them.  From the beginning, CDC Holdings complied and secured all the necessary permits and clearances to develop Rivergreen Residences,” adding that the NCCA decision lifting of the CDO was a result of the hearing held last October 20 to determine if the site in question deserves protection under the heritage law.

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