By Mirielle V. Vacal
With the enactment of Republic Act (RA) 7459 also known as the “Inventors and Invention Incentives Act of the Philippines,” in April 1992, the invention contest was held and the pre-screening and selection of finalists was done nationally. However, to encourage more participants from the regions, a qualifying round or screening phase was conducted in places near them. This gave birth to the Regional Invention Contest and Exhibits (RICE) which was first conducted in 2009. The winners of this contest qualify for the National Invention Contest and Exhibits (NICE) and for the first time in history, aside from being part of the National Economic and Development Authority’s (NEDA) National Priority Plan (NPP), the first prize winners of this year’s NICE were recognized and awarded at the Presidential Awards, under the theme "Providing NICE Solutions for a Sustainable Bagong Pilipinas" on July 24, 2024, at the Sheraton Manila Hotel by no less than His Excellency Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., President of the Republic of the Philippines.
After transitioning into virtual conduct because of the global pandemic, the National Invention Contest and Exhibits made its comeback to the public last July 16 to 18, 2024 at the Marriott Manila Hotel. Out of six hundred five (605) entries from all over the country, from Northern Luzon, Southern Luzon, Visayas, National Capital Region, and Mindanao of ClusteRICE - twenty-five (25) entries were selected to compete in this said competition. On July 18, 2024, at the closing ceremonies, six (6) entries were granted the best and brightest inventions under the categories of Tuklas Award for Outstanding Invention Category, Unlad Award for Outstanding Utility Model Category, Banghay Award for Outstanding Industrial Design Category, Likha Award for Outstanding Creative Research for Private and Government-Funded Categories, and Sibol Award of Outstanding Student Creative Research for High School and College Levels.
These outstanding individuals with their inventions below shone on the national stage and were each given an award for their hard work, dedication, and ingenuity by the President of the Republic of the Philippines HE Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. together with DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr., and DOST-TAPI Director Atty. Marion Ivy D. Decena:
1. Continuous Screw-Type Salt Washer by Dr. Anabelle V. Briones, Engr. Carlos J. De Vera, Oliver C. Evangelista, Engr. Jayson B. Nuval, Melquiades B. Canceran, and Alexander G. Cruz (First Prize Winner of Tuklas Award for Outstanding Invention Category).
2. Turbo Rice Steamer by Mr. Francisco H. Gecosala (First Prize Winner of Unlad Award for Outstanding Utility Model Category).
3. Plastic Segmented Fish Cage by Mr. Ralph A. Cabrera (First Prize Winner of Banghay Award for Outstanding Industrial Design Category).
4. Salt Harvesting Equipment by Dr. Anabelle V. Briones, Oliver C. Evangelista, Quintillano M. Montevirgen, Engr. Jayson B. Nuval, and Raejan V. Marfal (First Prize Winner of Likha Award for Outstanding Creative Research - Government Funded Category).
5. Head Covering Emergency Alarm System, Life Saver, and Monitoring Device by Wendilyn Cabanilla, Roldan Guillo Jr., Miraleih Jaime, and Gerald C. Caliguiran from Lanna National High School (First Prize Winner of Sibol Award for Outstanding Student Creative Research - High School Level).
“This historic recognition not only celebrates creativity but also inspires national pride and fosters a culture of innovation crucial for our country's growth..” an excerpt from DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr.’s message during the event, hoping that this momentous Presidential Awards will be able to inspire and motivate other Filipinos to produce real-world sustainable solutions that will help our countrymen not just to address local challenges but to position the Philippines into the global stage of innovation.
“Like any good invention, when you see it happen, why didn’t we think of this before? It is suddenly obvious we need something like this we have to develop and that’s truly a sign of a good invention…” sound bytes from our President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s speech that encourages us to extend and continue supporting our local inventors towards a better and brighter country.
