By Shane Rachel del Rosario
DOST-assisted homemade agriculture technology solutions cemented their spot in the global innovation scene after bagging silver in the WorldInvent Singapore (WoSG) 2024 last July 9-11.
The innovations were BDOZ Veterinary Products Trading’s Ethnobotanical Dewormer for Native Chicken and UPLB-Biotech’s WiltCure Biopesticide.
They are among the DOST-assisted Filipino inventions and technologies that were featured in the WoSG, an international invention show organized by the Innovation, Design, and Entrepreneurship Association which aims to showcase innovative solutions to pressing global challenges. It also serves as a platform to collaborate and connect with inventors, innovators, researchers, and entrepreneurs.
UPLB-Biotech’s WiltCure Biopesticide was developed by Dr. Eufrocinio Marfori, Scientist I of the University of the Philippines - Los Baños. He expressed that his winning moment was also remarkable because it marked his first time winning an international award.
“My winning a silver medal in the recent WorldInvent Singapore is my first time to win an international award. And for me, winning a silver medal in an international event for the first time is like winning the gold. During my winning moment, at first, I was so shocked and could not believe that I won. But later on, I felt very happy and fulfilled, very grateful and humbled that my efforts were recognized,” he narrated.
His invention, WiltCure Biopesticide, is an organic and effective alternative to synthetic pesticides. It aims to control diseases such as Fusarium oxysporum which affects solanaceous crops such as potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, capsicum, and chilies.
Another agritech solution that bagged the silver award was BDOZ Veterinary Products Trading’s Ethnobotanical Dewormer for Native Chicken, which was developed by Dr. Bede Ozaraga, Ma. Sylvia Ozaraga, and Maryneth Barrios.
“Winning at the 2024 WorldInvent Singapore must have felt amazing! It was probably a mix of excitement, pride and relief. Your hard work paid off and being recognized must have been very rewarding,” Dr. Ozaraga expressed.
The Ethnobotanical Dewormer for Native Chicken is an organic solution that aims to reduce worm infestations in poultry. With powdered betel nut and ipil-ipil seeds as its main active ingredients, it aims to offer better health sustainability for chickens, which also ensures excellent chicken meat yield and quality.
The innovators also expressed their gratitude towards the people who helped them promote their inventions as well as those who gave their support, including DOST.
“We would like to thank the DOST TAPI Director, Atty. Marion Ivy Decena; PCAARRD and Capiz State University for allowing BDOZ to showcase and promote the Ethnobotanical dewormer for Native Chicken on an international platform, fostering collaborations and market opportunities for technology transfer and full commercialization,” Dr. Ozaraga said.
“I would like to acknowledge DOST-TAPI for allowing me to be part of the Philippine Team that participated in the 2024 WorldInvent Singapore. Special thanks to Ms. Mirielle Vacal, Ms. Ella de Luna, and Dir. Atty. Marion Ivy Decena for their endless support throughout the six days of our Singapore journey. Also, I would like to thank my fellow DOST-TAPI participants for their camaraderie which makes me feel that we belong to a team and that they are not my competitors,” Dr. Marfori expressed.
They view their feat in the WoSG 2024 as the starting point for their pursuit of improving their innovations and stirring more future solutions.
“As for my invention, I am now back to the drawing table. I am planning to make a pre-commercialization proposal for submission to funding agencies. I am also contemplating the possibility of starting my own company that will spin off the commercialization of my product. Now more than ever, I am very much determined to continue improving my product,” Dr. Marfori shared.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ozaraga also aims to improve his product by incorporating the valuable feedback that he received as well as further promote and develop his innovation, seek partnerships and other funding opportunities, and “continue innovating, exploring new ideas, and contributing to the field of invention and technology.”
The success of both agritech solutions serves as a testament not only to Filipino excellence and its continuous pursuit of ‘science for the people.’
Dr. Marfori leaves a challenge to his fellow Filipino inventors, “To all Filipino inventors, my message is to remain resilient and keep on believing that we Filipino researchers can shine even on the global stage of innovation. Focus on helping the people, especially the poor. Look for solutions to their problems. Though the Philippines is a developing nation and the money allotted for research is very low, take this as a challenge, even with a meager research fund we can do something new and useful, something beneficial not only for Filipinos but for all of humankind.”
Indeed, Filipino agri-excellence goes beyond the recognitions and medals – their success is shared with the communities that they aim to serve as well as the pressing challenges that they hope to solve.
** This article is part of the "SPICE: Science and Technology Promotion for International Contest and Exhibits" campaign for the participants of the WorldInvent Singapore 2024. For more information and event updates, visit the DOST-TAPI website at www.tapi.dost.gov.ph.**
