Contemporary Filipino Inventions
1. SALt Lamp
The SALt Lamp (Sustainable Alternative Lighting), developed by Filipino
engineer Aisa Mijeno, is a groundbreaking invention aimed at addressing the lack of
electricity in off-grid communities. The lamp operates on a simple principle: it uses a
saline solution made of salt and water to generate electricity, which powers an LED
light. Remarkably, one fill of this saltwater solution can provide up to eight hours of
continuous lighting. Given the Philippines’ abundance of coastal areas and the
prevalence of communities with limited access to reliable electricity, this invention is
particularly well-suited to the country’s geographical and social landscape.
For many Filipinos, especially those living in rural and isolated regions, the SALt
Lamp has become a practical and sustainable alternative to conventional lighting
methods. Previously, many households relied on kerosene lamps, which are both costly
to maintain and hazardous due to their flammability and harmful emissions. The SALt
Lamp eliminates the need for expensive and dangerous fuel sources by utilizing a
simple and readily available resource: saltwater. By offering a low-cost and eco-friendly
lighting option, the SALt Lamp significantly improves daily life for families in these areas,
allowing them to save money, reduce health risks, and enjoy safer nighttime conditions.
The impact of the SALt Lamp goes beyond basic lighting needs. It has enabled
communities to extend their activities after dark, enhancing productivity, education, and
overall quality of life. Children are now able to study at night, small businesses can
continue operating, and families can feel more secure in their homes. Additionally, the
SALt Lamp contributes to environmental conservation by reducing reliance on fossil
fuels and encouraging the use of renewable, local resources. Through its innovative
design and positive environmental impact, Aisa Mijeno’s invention has transformed the
lives of many Filipinos, offering a sustainable solution to energy poverty in the country.
2. Mango flowering
Mango flowering is an essential aspect of the agricultural scene in the
Philippines, a nation renowned for its sweet and luscious mangoes. While it might seem
that the country can produce mangoes year-round, the reality is that these beloved fruit-
bearing trees have a seasonal cycle, blooming only at specific times throughout the
year. This seasonal nature has often posed challenges for Filipino farmers striving to
meet the growing demand for mangoes, both locally and internationally. Traditionally,
many have relied on smudging—a labor-intensive method of burning organic materials
near the trees to encourage flowering. This technique, while rooted in local practice,
was not always effective and required considerable time and effort, often leaving
farmers at the mercy of nature.
Recognizing the need for a more efficient approach, Ramon Barba, a national
scientist in the Philippines, introduced a revolutionary yet simple solution: spraying
mango trees with a potassium nitrate solution mixed with water. This method has
transformed the way mango growers operate, allowing them to induce flowering outside
the traditional season. As a result, farmers have experienced remarkable increases in
their production, sometimes doubling or even tripling their usual harvests. This
innovation has brought newfound hope and prosperity to many rural communities,
enabling them to meet market demands more effectively and providing them with
greater economic stability.
The impact of Barba’s invention extends far beyond just numbers; it has
significantly improved the lives of countless Filipino families. With the ability to harvest
more mangoes, farmers can enjoy increased incomes, which directly benefits their
households and communities. This economic boost allows them to invest in better
education for their children, healthcare, and even home improvements. Moreover, the
increase in mango production has strengthened the Philippines’ position as a key player
in the global mango market, providing more opportunities for farmers to export their
produce and share their delicious fruit with the world. In this way, the innovation not only
enhances individual lives but also uplifts entire communities, fostering a brighter and
more sustainable future for Filipino mango farmers.
3. Solar Window (AuREUS)
The innovative renewable energy system developed by Carvey Ehren Maigue,
tackles sustainability and energy efficiency simultaneously. Maigue's invention has
turned agricultural waste—such as fruits and vegetables—into solar panels that can
collect UV light and turn it into power, completely changing the way solar energy is
obtained. By absorbing UV light reflected from buildings and other surfaces, AuREUS
may produce electricity even on cloudy days, in contrast to standard solar panels that
need direct sunshine. This increases its suitability for wider use by making it a more
flexible solution, particularly in locations with erratic sunlight.
Because it encourages the use of agricultural waste and provides a sustainable
energy source, the invention has had a significant positive influence on the lives of
Filipinos while also helping the economy and ecology. Crop leftovers that would have
previously gone to waste can now be put to new purposes by farmers, giving rural
communities more sources of revenue. By giving both urban and rural communities
access to clean, renewable energy, this cyclical approach to energy generation helps to
reduce dependency on fossil fuels and lower energy costs. It also benefits the
agriculture industry.
AuREUS contributes to the fight against climate change by reducing carbon
emissions through renewable energy production and waste recycling. Typhoons and
rising sea levels are two climate-related concerns that the Philippines is increasingly
facing. Innovations like AuREUS provide useful ways to increase resilience. In addition
to meeting energy demands, the invention promotes sustainability and innovation,
encouraging future Filipino inventors to create innovations that benefit society and the
environment.
References:
Malubay, C. (2017, May 25). The power of SALt. Impakter. https://impakter.com/the-
power-of-salt/
TopTen.Ph. (2022, July 18). 10 inventions that are unbelievably made in the Philippines - Pinoy
Top tens. Pinoy Top Tens. https://topten.ph/2022/07/18/10-inventions-that-are
unbelievably-made-in-the-philippines/
