Four inventions from the MIMAROPA region competed in the National Invention Contest and Exhibits (NICE) held at the Le Pavilion in Pasay City last August 14-16, 2018. They initially emerged as winners from the Regional Invention Contest and Exhibits (RICE) held in Odiongan, Romblon from August 15 to 17 last year.
There were six categories in the competition, with the MIMAROPA joining in four (4) categories: Utility Model, Creative Research (LIKHA), Student Creative Research- High School (SIBOL-High School), and Student Creative Research- College (SIBOL-College).
Rice Straw Geotextile
Competing in the Utility Model Category for inventions already in use or ready for implementation was Dr. Rolando P. Javellonar, a professor of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering in Romblon State University. He showcased a cost-effective, biodegradable, environment and eco-friendly geotextile mat made from recycled rice straws that stabilizes top soil and mitigates soil erosion when used as ground cover.
The invention deters the instance of burning rice straws in agricultural communities thereby reducing the emission of greenhouse gases (GHG) that aggravates global warming and, at the same time, opens up new livelihood opportunities in the rural areas.
Stingless Bee Propolis Jam
On the other hand, Professors Ronnie F. Magsino and Polemer M. Cuarto from Mindoro State College of Agriculture and Technology introduced a jam out of propolis from stingless bees for Creative Research (LIKHA) category. Propolis is derived from plant resins used by bees as general-purpose sealer for beehives that, unknown to others, is edible and salubrious, proven to lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Since the raw propolis has a bitter and strong flavor with a rubber-like texture, the researchers processed the propolis into a jam, making it appealing to the taste of the consumers.
CHIFFING: Chaff Intermediate Flour in Fighting Nutritional Gap
In the Student Creative Research- High School (SIBOL-HS) category, Neil Ian V. Magalang, Richa Ella Mae R. Ogbac, and Franklin U. Razon from Bansud National High School presented the banana chaff as substitute for flour in baking goods like puffs and cookies. The idea of this invention stemmed from Magalang’s experience during his younger years when he got sick due to potassium deficiency. With this intermediate flour from potassium-rich banana chaff, the food industry is offered an alternative to produce baked goods with competitive prices and high nutritional content as well.
Development of Interactive Nursery Rhymes with Sign Language Application
Vying for Outstanding Student Creative Research- College (SIBOL-College) Award, Orland Anne Christian S. De Ocampo from Occidental Mindoro State College developed a computer application which helps children with and without special needs to learn about basic sign language through nursery rhymes and games.
Unlike other existing deaf-mute applications and ancillary videos, he developed his application to be interactive and partial to the learner's disability and intention to learn by employing features such as sign language videos with enlargement option, subtitles in the lesson, colorful illustrations, competitive quizzes, and other multimedia elements. Apart from English, it features Filipino nursery rhymes with sign language, catering to the Filipino learners.
NICE is an annual invention competition organized by the Department of Science and Technology-Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI) in pursuant to the Republic Act 7459, also known as the “Inventors and Invention Incentives Act of the Philippines”. It recognizes the indispensability of the Filipino inventors in the country and their valuable contribution to the national economic development.
