by Matt Jerome Casequin
“Success means doing or developing something worthy, beneficial, and useful even though it is deemed or viewed to be impossible by others. By believing that anything is possible through innovation, then that’s the definition of success for me both personally and professionally.” In the Philippines, where a vibrant food culture is woven into the daily lives of its people, Ma. Monette Dela Rosa Tugay has carved a unique niche at the intersection of education, food technology, and innovation. Tugay, a BS Food Technology graduate and a dedicated educator at Catanduanes State University, is transforming a common vegetable into a groundbreaking food product poised to make waves in both local and international markets.
The inventor behind the innovation
Tugay's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and a passion for both teaching and food technology. With almost two years of industry experience as a Quality Assurance Officer, QA in-line Analyst, and Production Supervisor, she transitioned into academia, bringing real-world insights into the classroom. As she pursued higher education, earning a Master's in Industrial Education and a Master of Science in Food Science, Tugay's research endeavors increasingly focused on developing novel food products. She is currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program in Educational Management, underlining her commitment to lifelong learning and innovation.
The birth of a revolutionary idea
The spark for Tugay's most notable invention came from a practical problem: the seasonal oversupply of squash, or kalabasa, in the Philippines. This versatile vegetable, valued for its edible fruit, leaves, and flowers, faces drastic price drops and significant wastage during peak harvest periods. Observing this, Tugay saw an opportunity to create something both economically and nutritionally valuable.
Her solution was both simple and ingenious: transform the oversupply of squash into a powder that could replace milk powder in various food products. One such product is pastillas, a popular Filipino milk candy. By substituting milk powder with squash powder, Tugay not only reduced production costs but also enhanced the nutritional value of the candy.
Solving multiple problems with one solution
Recognizing that children, the primary consumers of pastillas, often dislike vegetables, Tugay’s squash powder innovation cleverly disguised nutritious squash in a beloved treat. But she didn't stop there. To broaden the appeal, she developed pastillas tart, a snack that caters to a wider audience, including coffee lovers seeking a delightful pairing for their hot beverages.
Tugay’s invention addresses several critical issues. Firstly, it mitigates the problem of squash wastage and price drops during peak seasons by extending the vegetable's shelf life through drying and powdering. Secondly, it offers a cost-effective alternative to milk powder, making nutritious snacks more affordable. Lastly, by integrating vegetables into popular snacks, Tugay helps improve children's diets without altering their eating habits.
Ongoing development and future vision
Currently, Tugay's pastillas tart with squash powder is undergoing testing and validation through the Grants and Assistance to Leverage Innovations for National Growth (GALING) Program of the Department of Science and Technology - Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI). Despite challenges in sourcing the specific Suprema variety of squash needed for her invention, she has secured a regular supplier, ensuring the consistency required for standardization.
Looking ahead, Tugay envisions her product reaching shelves nationwide, available in major malls and enjoyed by diverse consumers. Over the next decade, she plans to enhance the product's quality, packaging, and shelf-life, securing additional patents to protect her innovative processes.
Global recognition and advocacy
Tugay's dedication and innovation have earned her a spot at the 2024 Korea International Women’s Invention Exposition (KIWIE), a significant milestone in her career. Invited by DOST-TAPI, she views this opportunity not only as a personal achievement but as a platform to attract potential investors and learn from other innovators worldwide.
For Tugay, international recognition is crucial for Filipino inventions. She advocates for the importance of developing unique products and securing intellectual property protection, which can open doors to funding and broader market reach.
Women in science: Equal opportunities and unique contributions
Tugay firmly believes that gender should never be a barrier in the science and technology field. She emphasizes that success hinges on individual abilities, attitudes, and perseverance rather than gender. As an educator and a second mother to her students, Tugay's desire to impart knowledge and inspire innovation has significantly shaped her journey and achievements as an inventor.
In her own words, "Doing what you want, what makes you happy, and what you desire the most is the best choice for every individual regardless of their gender." Tugay's story is a powerful reminder that innovation and passion, coupled with education and resilience, can turn everyday problems into extraordinary solutions, paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future.
** This article is part of the "Stirring the Future Solutions" campaign for the participants of the 2024 Korea International Women's Invention Exhibition (KIWIE). For more information and event updates, visit the DOST-TAPI website at www.tapi.dost.gov.ph.
