The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has recognized four Filipino-made innovations that have recently earned international acclaim, proving that homegrown talent can compete on the global stage.
During a press conference, DOST presented the inventors of Sambacur Plus, the Unsinkable PortaBoat, and the Sultana Digital Rice Vendo Machine, which all bagged gold awards at the 4th Silicon Valley International Inventions Festival. Also highlighted was Pili AdheSeal, which secured first prize at the 3rd China-ASEAN Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition.
Health and Safety Breakthroughs
Leading the lineup is Sambacur Plus, developed by father-and-son team Dr. Richard Nixon Gomez and Rigel Gomez. Made from four locally grown herbs—sambong, banaba, curcumin, and piperine—the supplement is designed to strengthen kidney and liver functions, offering hope to patients with Chronic Kidney Disease by potentially reducing the need for dialysis.
For disaster response, inventor Ronald Pagsanghan created the Unsinkable PortaBoat, a rescue boat built from buoyant materials that ensure it remains afloat even when capsized. Compact yet durable, it can carry up to ten passengers, making it an ideal tool for flood and urban rescue operations.
Innovation for Farmers and Consumers
Agriculture also benefitted from Filipino ingenuity through Jefferson Chong’s Sultana Digital Rice Vendo Machine, which promises to lower the cost of milling rice. By reducing fees to just P4 per kilo, the machine can help farmers cut costs while making rice more affordable for consumers at around P19 per kilo.
Sustainable Technology with Global Use
Meanwhile, Mark Bantugon’s Pili AdheSeal wowed international judges with its eco-friendly formula. Derived from pili sap, the sealant is non-toxic, emits a pleasant scent, and can even be repurposed into fertilizer. Its durability makes it useful in industries such as aviation, while also promoting sustainability.
DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. emphasized that these inventions showcase not only Filipino intelligence but also the drive to solve real-world problems. “To be successful, you have to love the problem more than the solution,” he said, underscoring the innovation-driven spirit of Filipino scientists and inventors.
