Pinoys bag awards in Switzerland

MANILA, Philippines — A Filipino inventor of a portable water treatment device and a tech startup that matches Filipino women jobseekers with global entrepreneurs recently received awards in Geneva, Switzerland, the Department of Foreign Affairs reported yesterday.

Filipino inventor Rodrigo Duque was awarded the bronze prize in the 47th International Exhibition of Inventions from April 10 to 14 in Geneva.

Duque’s invention can remove contaminants and sterilize water in large amounts through an easily transportable device protected by a fiber-reinforced case.

It was recognized for its practical application during calamities when potable water supply becomes limited or compromised.

The Department of Science and Technology has been helping the Filipino inventor develop his product, which is now ready for market production.

Meanwhile, the tech startup Connected Women was recognized as a Champion for e-Employment by the World Summit for Information Society Forum from April 8 to 12, also in Geneva.

The company developed a platform that uses algorithms to make a precise match between Filipino women interested in remote work and global entrepreneurs in need of virtual assistance.

Connected Women is also being assisted by the Department of Information and Communications Technology.

Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva Ambassador Evan Garcia said the Filipinos’ ingenuity continues to provide solutions to global and local challenges.