9 Pinoy inventions bag medals at Geneva expo

MANILA, Philippines — Nine Filipino inventions and innovations fielded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) at the 49th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva (IEIG) all bagged medals for the Philippines this year.

Silver medals were conferred on DOST-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) technologies, namely the hemostat for emergency treatment, a revolutionary lifesaving innovation that enhances blood-clotting, and the carboxymethyl hyaluronic acid (CMHA) hydrogels, which are versatile hydrogels with wide-ranging applications in various industries, including health care and agriculture.

The mobile water disinfection system of the DOST-Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI) also received a silver award as a transformative solution that ensures access to clean and safe drinking water, particularly in remote or disaster-affected areas.

The multi-fuel dryer invented by Prof. Zaldy Fernandez of Mariano Marcos State University also clinched a silver award as it featured dual functionality, acting both as a dryer and an oven, revolutionizing food and textile processing.

Meanwhile, five inventions received bronze awards: eco-bamboo textiles, lyocell and natural fiber blended yarns of the DOST-Philippine Textile Research Institute, flavored salt and seasoning of the DOST-ITDI, super water absorbent technology of the DOST-PNRI and pili seal (pili tree resin sealant and flame retardant) of Mark Kennedy Bantugon.

The super water absorbent technology, pili seal and lyocell yarns also received special awards from the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship of King Khalid University, an organization that empowers individuals to transform innovative ideas into successful ventures.

DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. hailed the impressive performance of Filipino inventions and innovations at the IEIG 2024, as they showcased the continuing innovation and invention of Filipinos and the world-class qualities of these innovations.

“The performance of the nine Philippine entries to the IEIG in Geneva, Switzerland … show that through research and development and innovation, we can produce world-class products,” Solidum said.

“I congratulate the Philippine entries for their excellent and globally competitive works and innovations,” he added.

The delegation of Filipino inventors and innovators sent to Geneva for the 49th IEIG was composed of DOST-ITDI senior science research specialist Maricar Carandang for the flavored salts and seasoning,  Prime Joy Margarito of the DOST-ITDI for the mobile water disinfection system, DOST-PTRI director Julius Leano for the high-blend natural textile fiber/lyocell yarns, DOST-PTRI supervising science research specialist Evangeline Flor Manalang for the eco-friendly bamboo textiles, DOST-PNRI senior science research specialist Lorna Relleve for the CMHA hydrogels, DOST-PNRI senior science research specialist Charito Aranilla for the super water absorbent technology soil water retainer and the new hemostat technology.

Non-DOST inventors who were fielded to the 49th IEIG by the DOST were Fernandez of the MMSU and Bantugon, a graduate student from Mapua University.