10 Valuable Inventions Made in the Philippines
The Philippines is not only known for its stunning landscapes and warm-hearted people but also for its brilliant minds that have contributed significantly to innovation and progress worldwide. From renewable energy solutions to life-saving medical devices, Filipino inventors have left an indelible mark on the global stage.
Here are ten surprisingly valuable inventions made by Filipinos:
Medical Incubator by Dr. Fe del Mundo
Dr. Fe del Mundo, the first Asian to be admitted to Harvard University School of Medicine, designed the bamboo incubator in 1941 to address the lack of medical resources in rural communities. Her innovative solution, made from bamboo and hot water bottles, provided a cost-effective means of regulating newborns' body temperature, saving countless lives in the process.
COVID-19 Test Kits by Dr. Raul Destura
During the pandemic, Dr. Raul Destura and his team at the University of the Philippines National Institutes of Health developed a low-cost COVID-19 test kit. Their groundbreaking innovation, the first locally-produced test kit approved by the FDA, provided a crucial tool in the fight against the virus.
Videophone by Gregorio Zara
Gregorio Zara, a Filipino physicist and engineer, conceptualized the videophone in 1955. His pioneering work laid the foundation for modern videoconferencing applications, enabling remote communication and collaboration across the globe.
Erythromycin by Dr. Abelardo B. Aguilar
Dr. Abelardo B. Aguilar's discovery of erythromycin, a widely-used antibiotic, revolutionized medical treatment worldwide. His groundbreaking research, conducted while working for Eli Lilly and Company, paved the way for advancements in bacterial illness treatment.
Solar Window by Carvey Ehren Maigue
In 2020, Carvey Ehren Maigue, a 27-year-old BS Electrical Engineering student from Mapua University, surprised the world with his invention, the AuREUS solar window. This revolutionary technology transforms crop waste into solar panels that harness UV light and convert it into electricity. Maigue's groundbreaking invention earned him the prestigious Global Sustainability Prize at the James Dyson Award, beating out 1,800 other entries worldwide.
Mango Flowering by Ramon Barba
Ramon Barba, a national scientist, revolutionized mango cultivation with his invention of a potassium nitrate spray. This cost-effective alternative to traditional smudging techniques doubled and even tripled mango growers' production, ensuring a steady supply of mangoes throughout the year.
Banana Ketchup by Maria Orosa-Ylagan
Maria Orosa-Ylagan, a food technologist and war hero, invented banana ketchup during World War II. Her recipe, crafted from native Filipino ingredients, provided a flavorful alternative to tomato ketchup. Beyond her culinary innovations, Orosa-Ylagan's ingenuity saved countless prisoners of war by smuggling essential nutrients into Japanese-run detention camps.
16-Bit Microchip by Diosdado Banatao
Diosdado Banatao, an engineer and tech innovator, made waves with his 16-bit microprocessor-based calculator, the first of its kind. His contributions to high-tech industries include the development of Ethernet technology and the creation of the first system logic chip set for IBM's PC-XT and PC-AT.
Low-Cost Ventilator by Dr. Abundio Balgos
Dr. Abundio Balgos and his team of pulmonologists and biomedical engineers developed the GINHAWA ventilator, a low-cost and efficient medical device. Designed to address the shortage of ventilators in hospitals, GINHAWA offers critical respiratory support at a fraction of the cost of traditional ventilators.
Pili Sealant by Mark Kennedy Bantugo
Mark Kennedy Bantugo, a farmer's son and BS in Aeronautical Engineering graduate, created a sustainable sealant from pili tree resin waste. His innovative solution, recognized with the James Dyson Award in 2021, offers an eco-friendly alternative for aircraft integral fuel tank sealing, preventing fuel leakage and promoting environmental sustainability.
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This article was previously published on UAE Moments. To see the original article, click here