By Heherson Valdez
Filipino inventors earned Silvers and Special Awards for their groundbreaking contributions to education, health and safety, and materials science at the recently concluded Seoul International Invention Fair (SIIF) 2024, held from November 27–30, 2024, in Seoul, South Korea. These award-winning inventions—ranging from life-saving safety devices to affordable material testing solutions and climate-resilient school furniture—highlight the Philippines' growing influence in the global innovation ecosystem.
1. Smart Helmet: The Head Covering Emergency Alarm System, Life Saver, and Monitoring Device by Miraleih Jaime & Peter John R. Bacani
Young inventor Miraleih Jaime, hailing from Tumauini, Isabela, along with co-inventor and coach, Peter John R. Bacani, developed a safety device designed to protect motorcycle riders. The Smart Helmet integrates real-time monitoring to detect dangers like drowsiness, alcohol consumption, and overspeeding. By sending alerts to emergency contacts and the rider in case of an accident, this invention is driven to its useful functionality to save lives on the road. This invention was recognized by DOST-TAPI as the First Prize Winner of the Sibol Award (High School Level). However, its impact extends beyond national recognition. In addition to being a Silver Awardee, the Smart Helmet also received the Innovation Award from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Jaime was honored by Takharuj Law Firm of Saudi Arabia as the Best Young Inventor of SIIF 2024.
Jaime and Bacani’s passion for leveraging technology to improve society inspired them to develop a helmet that is practical, comfortable, and potentially life-saving. Their Smart Helmet, which has already earned national and international recognition, has received positive feedback and is set to undergo product improvement and optimization before advancing to the commercialization stage.
2. IET Pro: The Effective and Affordable Impulse Excitation Technique Prototype by Beatrice Bayan
Beatrice Bayan, a graduate of Ateneo de Manila University, along with her team, created the IET Pro, a non-destructive testing device that uses sound waves to measure the elastic properties of materials. This invention was proclaimed the First Prize Winner of the 2024 Sibol Award (College Level) of DOST-TAPI. The Impulse Excitation Technique (IET) prototype is 200 times more affordable than traditional testing methods, making it accessible to a wide range of industries and educational institutions.
Bayan’s invention has the potential to transform the material testing industry by providing a cost-effective, sustainable solution. It has already gained recognition at regional contests and is poised to change the way industries, especially in the manufacturing and construction sectors, assess material integrity without compromising on quality.
When she asked what she felt as one of the silver awardees at SIIF 2024 she said, “It felt like a weight off my shoulders. The realization that all one's hard work is finally recognized by a body of people who do that same sort of work is a peaceful feeling. It was such an honor to be in the presence of so many brilliant minds.”
She also expressed deep gratitude to those who supported her throughout the process. “Of course, I would like to thank God and my family and friends for getting me this far. But more specifically, I owe a great deal to my co-inventors, Dr. Jose Mario Diaz and Mr. Geoffrey Tan, who came up with the research topic and guided me every step of the way. And I will definitely never forget that this was only made possible by DOST-TAPI and the opportunities they provide to Filipino inventors,” Bayan added.
Bayan’s invention also received the Best International Invention and Innovation Award from the National Research Council of Thailand.
3. Multifunctional School Furniture/Silyang Pinoy ((Department of Science and Technology - Forest Products Research and Development Institute)
The Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI), an agency of DOST responsible for conducting research and development on wood and non-wood forest products, introduced the Multifunctional School Furniture/Silyang Pinoy—a multi-functional school chair made from bamboo that can be transformed into a bed frame. Inspired by the need for durable and sustainable furniture in classrooms, especially during natural disasters when classrooms are often used as evacuation shelters, this design promotes climate resilience while utilizing bamboo as a locally-sourced, renewable material.
Silyang Pinoy has undergone rigorous testing and is now ready for commercialization. It has also passed strength and durability tests, receiving positive feedback from students. This invention was made possible through DOST-FPRDI’s roster of inventors, namely Engr. Edward Paul S. Marasigan, Loreto A. Novicio, Chris Johnniel France Rana, Victor G. Revilleza, Precious Lynne S. Payuan, Calixto T. Calulo, Rafael D. Sungcaya, and Eduardo M. Atienza. Marasigan, along with his dedicated team, aims to inspire the next generation of engineers and inventors to tackle real-world challenges with creativity and resilience while preserving Filipino identity and pride through their innovative contributions.
The international recognition of these inventions strengthens the Philippines' position in the global innovation ecosystem. It encourages further research, development, and commercialization of technologies that can transform local industries and improve the lives of communities. As these Filipino inventors continue to refine and expand their products, their impact will extend far beyond the borders of the Philippines, inspiring the next generation of inventors to think globally and innovate with purpose.
** This article is part of the "SPICE: Science and Technology Promotion for International Contest and Exhibits" campaign for the Seoul International Invention Fair – SIIF 2024. For more information and event updates, please visit the DOST-TAPI website at www.tapi.dost.gov.ph.**
