Filipino Inventions
The Philippines is a country that has many unappreciated geniuses and many undiscovered talents. Just like Jose Rizal, the Philippines’ national hero who is not just a patriot but a scientist and inventor as well, the country also has many inventors that may well be as great as other inventors in different countries.
Here are our top 12 list of surprising Filipino Inventions:
1. Video Phone
The first recorded videophone, or a two-way television-telephone, was invented by a Filipino engineer and physicist named Gregorio Zara.
It was taken out of science fiction in 1955 when he first introduced the device and patented it as a “photo phone signal separator network.”
Read the full article about Engr. Gregorio Zara’s video phone invention. Click here.
2. Yoyo
Everyone around the world probably knows what a yoyo is. It is a rounded and stringed toy that many children play around with. But little do many know the origin of this well-known toy. The yoyo was used by the Philippine natives 400 years ago as a combat weapon against the Spaniards and intruders. The original version of the “yoyo” was large and had sharp edges as well as studs. The weapon was attached to sturdy and thick 20-feet long ropes that would be used to fling at the enemies or prey.
The modern “yoyo” toy that we all know of was made by law undergraduate Pedro Flores. Thanks to America, this toy has been mass produced and popularized all over the world.
3. Medical Incubator
Fe del Mundo is the first Asian who was able to enter the prestigious Harvard University School of Medicine. She is credited for her studies that led to the creation and development of the incubator and jaundice-relieving device.
According to Wikipilipinas, this improvised incubator comprised of two native laundry baskets that were placed one inside of the other. Hot water bottles were arranged around and in between the two baskets to provide warmth. It also included a makeshift hood over the overlapping baskets so that oxygen would be able to circulate within.
This was created in order to address the needs of families in rural areas that have no electricity that is needed to regulate the body temperature of newborn babies.
4. E-Jeepney
Source: Ejeepney
After the Americans colonized the Philippines, the Filipinos were able to create their own version of the “jeepney” from scratch. Ever since this vehicle can be seen over almost every street and road in the Philippines and is the primary mode of transportation in the country. This Philippine vehicle has undergone many transformations and the modern “E-jeepney” was introduced in Metro Manila and Bacolod City.
These E-jeepneys, unlike the standard jeepneys, are nature friendly as they are noiseless and smokeless. The E-jeepney uses electricity which is significantly cheaper than that of ordinary diesel.
5. Erythromycin
Erythromycin is an antibiotic that is derived from the bacterium Streptomyces erythreus, which is normally used as an anti-acne or to remove pimples. Ilonggo doctor/scientist Abelardo Aguilar discovered this strain in 1949 using the soil in his home province.
Unfortunately, when he sent it to his US employer Eli Lilli Co. to separate the said strain, the Indiana-based company owned the drug, and Aguilar was not given any credit for this discovery.
6. Patis
Patis or Fish Sauce is a condiment used as a salty partner for many Filipino dishes. Ruperta David (aka Aling Tentay) accidentally discovered it in 1949.
7. Banana Catsup
Banana Catsup is a condiment many Filipinos love to use for almost every known dish in the Philippines. This was the brainchild of food technologist Maria Orosa y Ylagan (1893–1945).
According to historical accounts, she created the first recipe for banana catsup.
She experimented with foods that are native to the Philippines and created food products such as calamansi nip, which is a powdered form of calamansi to make calamansi juice, and a powdered version of soya beans called Soyalac, which was used to help save the lives of many Filipinos, Americans, and others who were held prisoners in World War II.
8. Anticancer Cream
Rolando dela Cruz is a Filipino inventor who won the gold medal for creating an anti-cancer cream at the prestigious International Inventor’s Forum in November of 2005. It is called “DeBCC” cream, and was developed from cashew nuts and other local herbs. It is used specifically for basal skin carcinoma (BSC), known as the most prevalent type of skin cancer worldwide.
9. 16-Bit Microchip
Source: WazzupPilipinas
Diosdado Banatao, more popularly known as Dado Banatao, is responsible for designing the first single-chip, 16-bit microprocessor-based calculator. Also, in 1981, he developed the first 10-Mbit Ethernet CMOS with silicon coupler data-link control and trans receiver chip. He is also credited for the first system logic chip set for IBM’s PC-XT and the PC-AT, the local bus concept, and the first Windows Graphics accelerator chip for personal computers.
10. Quink Ink
Source: Inkfrog
This is a quick-drying ink invented by Filipino chemist Francisco Quisumbing. It was very innovative in the past and was further developed to work with Parker Pens. This ink isn’t just quick-drying; it is also water resistant, doesn’t clog the pen opening, doesn’t blot, and won’t fade. This ink is considered one of the best-selling inks for fountain pens.
11. Mole Remover
Source: filipino inventions and discoveries
In 2000, Rolando dela Cruz developed a formula that easily removed deeply grown moles or warts from the skin without leaving marks or hurting the patient. The formula was made from cashew nut extracts (Anacardium occidentale), a common plant in the Philippines. This formula won a gold medal in the International Invention, Innovation, Industrial Design, and Technology Exhibition in Kuala Lumpur in 2000.
12. Filipino-made Train
Bryan Yuson, an electronics engineer, invented a Filipino-made train that will run using renewable energy. The train has three charging systems: the solar panel, windmill, and pedals. According to Yuson, the energy from the three systems will be charged to the six batteries attached to the train and will power two 24-volt motors to run the train.
This train was launched in Cebu City, Philippines. If the Cebu City government could not have railways for trains, Yuson’s invention is also flexible—it can run on highways via vehicle tires.
13. The 3-in-1 fire truck
Source: ArayemTrade
The “Patriot” is a 3-in-1 fire truck invented by Alfredo M. Anos, Sr., who is known as the godfather of Filipino Inventors. This truck is special because it serves as a fire truck, a rescue vehicle, and an ambulance.
Are there more Filipino inventions that we should include here? Comment below
Other surprising inventions that you will enjoy reading
Article Source:
Definitely Filipino and Wikipilipinas
