By Mirielle Vacal
Manila, Philippines - Since World War II, Filipino women/Filipinas have played a significant role in the innovation system. Notable figures include Teódula Kalaw África, a Filipina chemist who contributed to the Philippine National Coconut Corporation and was the creative mind behind the popular snack and sinker “Nata De Coco”, and Maria Ylagan Orosa, the inventor of the beloved Filipino condiment “Banana Ketchup”.
Throughout history, Filipinas in innovation have made vital contributions to the country's development. As we celebrate National Women’s Month, it is essential to recognize and honor these achievements by sharing valuable lessons learned from our modern Filipina inventors and innovators.
Here are the lessons you can learn from our Filipino innovators and inventors:
Lesson # 1: Elevate the ordinary to extraordinary
Ms. Rowena Faith A. Sucalit, with her MagicBag invention, demonstrates that “Lahat ng dating simple at ordinary, ginawa ko nang mas maganda at maayos,” (English translation: Everything that was once simple and ordinary, I made better and more organized,” meaning she transformed the ordinary into something better.
MagciBag cooks food with retained heat: after boiling for 25% of the time, the pot is placed inside the insulated bag, sealed, and continues to cook for up to 8 hours. It also won a bronze award at the Korea International Women's Invention Exposition (KIWIE). Her journey emphasizes that dedicated refinement of everyday skills can lead to significant innovation, proving great ideas can arise from familiar tasks.
Lesson # 2: Learn and Be Guided by Inspiration
Ms. Miraleih S. Jaime emphasizes, “Their guidance…helped me refine my ideas”, highlighting the pivotal feature of mentorship. Her team’s Smart Helmet, a silver award winner at the Seoul International Invention Fair (SIIF) 2024 and first prize winner of the DOST-TAPI’s 2024 National Invention Contest and Exhibits (NICE) Sibol Award for the Outstanding Student Creative Research for High School exemplifies this.
Designed for motorcycle safety, this technology uses sensors to detect rider drowsiness, intoxication, or speeding, sending alerts and location data via a mobile application. Ms. Jaime’s work, inspired by innovators solving real problems, shows how mentorship and external inspiration drive innovative solutions.
Lesson # 3: Creating Innovation for National Strength
Dr. Floridel V. Loberiano’s statement in a written interview “Boost the morale…in the battlefield” presents innovation’s role in national strength. Her ready-to-eat (RTE) food, packed in retort pouches, replaces heavy provisions, offering soldiers convenient, shelf-stable meals during combat and training.
She received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Royal Malaysian Air Force and the Ministry of Defense of Malaysia, as well as the National Research Council of Thailand’s award for Best International Invention and Innovation at the Seoul International Invention Fair (SIIF) 2024. This recognition illustrates how practical innovation can significantly enhance national morale, operational efficiency, and readiness.
Lesson # 4: Utilizing Natural Resources as Solutions for Real Needs
Ms. Lorena Dela-Cruz-Chiu’s work exemplifies the power of purpose-driven innovation. “We wanted to provide a treatment…easily applied at home,” she explains. Her family’s invention, the DeBCC cream, addresses the challenge of limited access to affordable, non-invasive treatments for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) local control.
Unlike costly and invasive surgeries, the DeBCC cream offers a more natural, topical alternative, simplifying treatment and preventing the spread of cancer lesions, particularly for those in underserved areas. Winning a bronze award at the Seoul International Invention Fair 2024, her invention validates how practical solutions can effectively address real community needs.
Lesson # 5: Ability over Gender
Ms. Ma. Monette Dr. Tugay champions the idea that “It is not about gender but about the abilities…” Her perspective reminds us that skills and perseverance are more crucial than gender, it drives success in S&T, encouraging everyone to pursue their passions based on their merits.
Her invention, the Pastillas Tart with squash powder, serves as both a dessert and a snack. It is best enjoyed with hot black coffee and, when properly packaged, is ideal as a “pasalubong” (a souvenir or gift) item. This food product also won a bronze award at the Korea International Women’s Invention Exposition (KIWIE), which shows how an individual’s abilities and creative solutions, regardless of gender, can lead to successful innovations.
The Role of Support Systems in Filipina Success
The stories of these Filipina innovators are testaments to human ingenuity and resilience. From transforming everyday tasks to innovative solutions to addressing critical societal needs, they demonstrate that impact change is within reach.
Their journeys, often nurtured and supported by programs and services like those offered by the Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI), serve as a source of inspiration, proving that with dedication, mentorship, and a commitment to purpose, anyone can contribute to a better future. Let us support their passion as they ignite innovation for others, creating a culture wherein innovative ideas are nurtured and celebrated.
**DOST-TAPI promotes Gender and Development and ensures Gender Mainstreaming in its Programs and Services. For more information, please email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., and for media inquiries, please get in touch with Ms. Mirielle Vacal at +639567113145 or Mr. Heherson Valdez at +639064477735, or email them at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. **
