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By: Fidel Feria
Roderick Nicolas’s Alkaline Fuel Cell-Hydrogen Pro-life Solution (AFC-HPS) was first assisted by DOST-TAPI through its Intellectual Property Rights Assistance Program (IPRAP). He was further assisted by the agency through laboratory testing and analyses. Years later, Nicolas applied for DOST-TAPI’s Invention-Based Enterprise Development (IBED) Program to further improve the market-readiness of his invention
In the hunt for purpose, only a few are early to strike gold. Musicians, for instance, will pick up an instrument at a young age and find the rest of their lives devoted to the stage. Ambitious teens will shadowbox in front of mirrors until they notice themselves performing these very feats to a captive audience. There are also stories of latecomers—people who lead full lives before happening upon their life’s work, but their tales are no less extraordinary.
One such story is that of inventor Roderick Nicolas.
Born in Manila, he relocated with his family to San Pedro, Laguna to continue their successful seafood distribution business. Perhaps as a consequence of running a lucrative business, his family was not particular about academic excellence.
Then a jockish basketball standout, young Roderick preferred having a good time over cracking his books. But doggedly rising above his thrill-seeking nature were his brains. He was an avowed jack of all trades in his classes. It proved his natural talent and an early instinct for innovation.
After finishing high school, he took up a two-year vocational course on computer technology in IETI College Alabang. Thanks to an already formidable work ethic, he found work as a welder as he was completing his studies. Upon graduation, he accepted a full-time job as a spot welder at a local paper mill. Seeing his admirable performance, the company offered him a promotion, but he gently refused as he was setting his sights to work overseas. He left the paper mill after six months.
In 1990, still young but with plenty of real-world experience, Roderick offered to work in his family’s business. His parents promptly agreed and entrusted him with major distribution tasks. He would oversee and ride along for deliveries, which went deep into night. His downtime in between his rigorous work proved integral to his life: it was during these hours that his faith in God deepened. In taking in the word of God, he developed an appreciation of knowledge much greater than he would ever have.
Inv. Nicolas participated in the 2017 National Invention Contests and Exhibits under the LIKHA Award for Best Creative Research Category. (Image source: Roderick Nicolas/Facebook)
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By: Camille Gonzales
Dr. Richmond Santillana invented Nutracapser, a portable home device that can be used to create herbal supplements. For his invention, Dr. Santillana became a beneficiary of the i-TECH Lending Program, which provides financing through the credit-lending partnership between DOST-TAPI and the Land Bank of the Philippines.
Dr. Richmond Santillana never thought he would end up practicing alternative medicine. He graduated with a pre-med degree and his first job out of college was at a Japanese multinational pharmaceutical company. There, he started as product research assistant and then worked his way up to senior product specialist.
After he learned everything there is to know in the industry, he started his own pharmaceutical business.
He was a successful pharmaceutical person. Within a few years of running his own company, his business expanded into four branches. But running a growing pharmaceutical business was not easy.
“Apat na business, so kung kailangan, hindi talaga ako matutulog,” he shared.
His late stressful nights eventually took a toll on him, and one day he started feeling sluggish. Speaking became a daunting task and walking more so. He knew then there was something seriously wrong with his body, so he went to a doctor and found out he had heart disease.
Since Dr. Santillana owned a pharmaceutical company, there was no medicine out of reach for him. Cost was not an issue as well, so he tried everything his doctor prescribed him. After more than a year of trying different medicines, not only did he not get well, side effects from the drugs plagued him, too.
Dizziness, headaches, body pains, and tiredness—he felt them all. He believed in his company and its products, but still, his heart was not getting better. He prayed to God to cure his heart and, in return, he would do everything he can to give back. Whichever direction God directs him, he would take it.
“I called it my covenant. I said to God, pagalingin mo ako, and then make use of me kung saan mo ako dalhin.”
Feeling desperate, he decided to take a step back and look at other options. Even though being a pharmaceutical man was a big part of him, he was not afraid to explore other options.
“Sa madaling salita, dahil doon na ako sa point na wala nang quality of life, napilitan akong subukan ang alternative medicine.”
Dr. Santillana was grateful for alternative medicine’s positive effects on his body. Even though he had a family to feed and kids to send to school, he didn’t back away from his deal with God. Seeing how his treatment made him feel better, he decided to shift the direction of his career completely. He decided to practice alternative medicine himself.
“Out of gratitude, kahit milyon ang kinikita ko, tinalikuran ko lahat ‘yun,” he said. “Noong gumaling ako, nag-decide akong isara ‘yung pharmaceutical company… Then I decided to study alternative medicine.”
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