Filipino Innovators Shaping the Future: A Journey of Ingenuity and Resilience

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The Philippines has long been a nation of dreamers and doers, individuals who dare to reimagine possibilities and reshape industries. In a world facing unprecedented environmental and technological challenges, Filipino innovators are stepping up to introduce groundbreaking solutions that address pressing global issues. Among them are four visionaries—Kenn Michael Uy, Oliver Evangelista, Dr. Annabelle Briones, and Mabelline Cahulogan—who will represent the Philippines at the prestigious 50th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva (IEIG), showcasing their revolutionary contributions to sustainable development, food security, disaster resilience, and technological advancement.

Transforming Coconut Waste into Sustainable Structures

At the forefront of sustainable material innovation is Kenn Michael Uy, the founder and CEO of Lesstics, Inc. Fueled by a deep commitment to uplifting Filipino coconut farmers, he pioneered the development of the Coir-Reinforced Bio-Based High-Density Polyurethane Composite, a cutting-edge technology that transforms waste coconut husks into durable, high-quality structural panels. These panels serve as sustainable alternatives to wood-based materials in construction and furniture-making, addressing both environmental conservation and economic empowerment.

With a background in Nursing from Cebu Normal University and currently pursuing a master’s degree in Business Administration at Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, Uy embodies the spirit of interdisciplinary innovation. His work is not only reducing agricultural waste but also providing Filipino farmers with a new avenue for financial growth and environmental stewardship.

Revolutionizing Salt Harvesting Technology

In the realm of food production, Oliver Evangelista, a food technologist and senior science research specialist at DOST-ITDI, is leading efforts to modernize salt farming. Alongside his dedicated team—Raeyjan V. Marfal, Jayson B. Nuval, and Dr. Annabelle V. Briones—Evangelista developed the Three-in-One Salt Crusher, Washer, and Harvester, a game-changing innovation that cuts salt harvesting time by up to 50%, significantly boosting efficiency and productivity.

With a master’s degree in Food Science from the University of the Philippines Diliman and extensive international training in agribusiness and food processing in the Netherlands and Japan, Evangelista is bringing global best practices to local salt farmers. His invention addresses one of the biggest bottlenecks in the salt industry—time-consuming and labor-intensive processing—while ensuring higher-quality, cleaner, and more abundant salt production.

Advancing Salt Purification for a Healthier Nation

Another key player in the salt industry’s modernization is Dr. Annabelle Briones, the esteemed Director of DOST-ITDI. With four decades of research and development experience, she spearheaded the Improved Salt Technologies (I-Salt) Project, leading to the creation of the Continuous Screw-Type Salt Washer. This breakthrough machine efficiently removes contaminants, ensuring that harvested salt meets the 97% purity standard mandated by the Republic Act 8172 (ASIN Law).

Dr. Briones holds a doctorate in engineering from Keio University-Japan, a master’s degree in chemistry from the University of Santo Tomas, and a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Xavier University-Cagayan De Oro. Her relentless pursuit of innovation ensures that Filipino consumers receive safer and higher-quality salt, ultimately strengthening the country's food safety and industry standards.

Harnessing Science for Disaster Resilience

As climate change intensifies the frequency and severity of natural disasters, the need for data-driven disaster preparedness has never been more urgent. Mabelline Cahulogan, a geologist and officer-in-charge of the Geology and Geophysics Research and Development Division at PHIVOLCS-DOST, is championing technological solutions that enhance disaster risk reduction efforts.

Cahulogan, together with her team, developed HazardHunter PH and GeoAnalytics PH, two multi-agency platforms that integrate natural hazard data into planning and decision-making. These innovations empower local governments, businesses, and citizens with real-time information, significantly improving disaster response strategies.

With a master’s degree in Natural Hazards from the Australian National University and a bachelor’s degree in Geology from the University of the Philippines-Diliman, Cahulogan is leading the charge in strengthening science-based risk assessment and preparedness, ultimately saving lives and minimizing disaster impacts.

A Future Shaped by Filipino Ingenuity

These remarkable individuals represent the resilience, brilliance, and determination of Filipino innovators. As they take center stage at the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva (IEIG), they bring with them not only their groundbreaking technologies but also the aspirations of a nation striving for sustainable progress.

Their innovations—whether in sustainable construction, salt processing, or disaster resilience—underscore the Philippines’ capacity to lead in science and technology. As we celebrate their achievements, let us also recognize the crucial role of continued support for research, entrepreneurship, and government collaboration in fostering homegrown innovation.

The future is being shaped today, and these Filipino pioneers are lighting the way. Let’s rally behind them as they make history on the global stage.

The COA Report: A Smokescreen for the Real Issue—Sara Duterte’s Misuse of Public Funds

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The Commission on Audit (COA) report has been weaponized once again—not to uphold transparency, but to shield Vice President Sara Duterte from valid scrutiny. While Duterte’s allies gloat over an unmodified opinion, they conveniently ignore that this does not equate to a clean slate. COA merely assesses financial reporting compliance; it does not exonerate public officials from questionable spending, nor does it certify ethical leadership.

The real issue remains: The Filipino people deserve clear answers on why the Office of the Vice President (OVP) received an unprecedented P125 million in confidential and intelligence funds (CIF) in 2022—funds that COA itself flagged as problematic. Duterte’s defenders want this discussion buried, but no amount of political grandstanding can erase public concern over opaque transactions, unexplained expenditures, and a budget allocation that defies logic.

A ‘Flawless’ Audit? Think Again.

The claim that the COA report "annihilates every baseless accusation" is a blatant distortion. An unmodified opinion simply means the financial statements were prepared according to government accounting standards—it does not mean there was no questionable spending. In fact, COA reports have repeatedly flagged irregular transactions under Sara Duterte’s leadership, particularly the mysterious transfer of CIF to the OVP.

If Duterte’s allies truly valued transparency, they would push for a full disclosure of how these funds were spent. Instead, they peddle the false narrative that COA has given Duterte a ‘clean bill of health’—a misleading claim designed to silence critics and distract from genuine concerns.

The Real Hypocrisy: Duterte’s Double Standards on Transparency

Sara Duterte’s defenders love to accuse her critics of hypocrisy, but the real double standard lies in their refusal to hold her accountable. They demand scrutiny of other government agencies but turn a blind eye when Duterte’s office is questioned. Where is the transparency in the OVP’s CIF spending? Why does Duterte refuse to explain how these confidential funds—historically not allocated to the Vice President’s office—were spent?

This is the same administration that prides itself on being ‘tough’ and ‘uncompromising,’ yet its response to valid criticism is to deflect, demonize, and distort. If Sara Duterte is truly as strong and principled as her supporters claim, she should have no issue facing an independent audit of her discretionary funds. Instead, all we hear are empty boasts about an unmodified opinion—one that does nothing to address the underlying questions about her use of taxpayer money.

COA Reports Should Not Be Cherry-Picked for Political Convenience

Duterte’s defenders are quick to dismiss COA findings when they expose anomalies within their ranks, yet they now treat an unmodified opinion as an irrefutable endorsement of her governance. The same people who ignore COA’s red flags on intelligence funds are now clinging to a standard audit opinion as if it absolves Duterte of any wrongdoing.

The truth is, COA audits do not operate as verdicts of guilt or innocence. They highlight compliance, but they do not erase the need for accountability. If Duterte’s office was indeed run with honesty and efficiency, why the desperate attempts to shut down calls for further investigation? Why refuse transparency if there is truly nothing to hide?

Leadership Is Not Measured by Audit Opinions—It’s Measured by Accountability

A true leader does not hide behind selective interpretations of audit reports. A true leader welcomes scrutiny and answers questions with clarity and honesty. Sara Duterte’s continued evasion of transparency, coupled with her camp’s aggressive misinformation campaign, speaks volumes about her leadership style.

If Duterte and her allies want to prove their commitment to good governance, they should start by fully disclosing how every peso of CIF was spent. They should support legislative measures requiring full transparency on intelligence and confidential funds. Until then, no amount of self-serving rhetoric will erase the fact that Sara Duterte has yet to answer the real questions surrounding her office’s financial dealings.

The Filipino people deserve more than empty proclamations of victory. They deserve truth, transparency, and accountability—not political smokescreens.

Businessman vs. Entrepreneur: A Clash of Mindsets, A Battle of Ambitions

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In the world of commerce, two distinct figures emerge: the businessman and the entrepreneur. While their paths may cross, their mindsets, motivations, and methods set them apart in ways that define industries and shape economies. One thrives on stability; the other hungers for disruption. One safeguards the known; the other dares to create the unknown. So, what truly separates these titans of trade? Let’s dive into the defining traits that distinguish a businessman from an entrepreneur.

1. Definition and Focus: The Master of Tradition vs. The Pioneer of Possibilities

The Businessman: A businessman is the guardian of commerce, managing an established venture with a focus on sustainability and growth. Their world is structured, their strategies refined, and their primary goal is profitability. They operate within the safe boundaries of proven business models, fine-tuning existing structures to maximize efficiency and financial success.

The Entrepreneur: An entrepreneur, in contrast, is a visionary—a trailblazer who sees opportunity where others see obstacles. They don’t just enter markets; they create them. Entrepreneurs are driven by innovation, constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. They are builders, disruptors, and revolutionaries, crafting businesses that challenge the status quo.

2. Risk Attitude: Playing It Safe vs. Betting It All

The Businessman: Stability is the businessman’s cornerstone. Risk is calculated, minimized, and managed. They follow time-tested strategies, choosing established markets over uncharted territories. For them, predictability equals success, and they prefer to optimize rather than gamble.

The Entrepreneur: Entrepreneurs live and breathe risk. They embrace uncertainty, seeing it not as a threat but as an opportunity. To them, no risk means no reward. They venture into unexplored territories, willing to stake everything on the belief that their idea can revolutionize an industry.

3. Innovation vs. Management: The Visionary vs. The Operator

The Businessman: Businessmen are masters of management. They refine existing processes, ensuring smooth operations and efficiency. Their role is to sustain and expand, not necessarily to innovate. Their success comes from perfecting the old, rather than inventing the new.

The Entrepreneur: Entrepreneurs, however, are innovators at heart. They don’t just improve industries; they redefine them. They identify problems, create groundbreaking solutions, and challenge conventional wisdom. Their businesses are often built on revolutionary ideas rather than incremental improvements.

4. Vision vs. Execution: The Dreamer vs. The Strategist

The Businessman: Execution is their strength. Businessmen take an established vision and make it work with precision and expertise. They excel at maintaining stability, optimizing processes, and ensuring financial growth within an existing framework.

The Entrepreneur: Entrepreneurs are the architects of their own vision. They don’t just follow a plan; they create it. They see the bigger picture, carving a path where none existed before. Their leadership drives innovation, and their decisions can alter entire industries.

5. Motivation: Profit vs. Passion

The Businessman: Financial success is the businessman’s ultimate goal. Their focus is on revenue, market dominance, and sustainability. Every move is made with profitability in mind, and stability is their reward.

The Entrepreneur: Entrepreneurs chase more than just financial gain—they seek purpose. Their drive comes from a passion for innovation, a desire to solve problems, and a commitment to leaving a lasting impact on society. Money is a means to an end, not the end itself.

6. Growth Orientation: The Steady Climber vs. The Meteoric Riser

The Businessman: Businessmen prioritize steady, calculated growth. They expand cautiously, ensuring that every step forward is backed by data and experience. Their businesses evolve gradually, growing stronger over time.

The Entrepreneur: Entrepreneurs are relentless in their pursuit of rapid growth. They scale aggressively, seizing every opportunity to expand and disrupt. Their adaptability allows them to pivot when needed, ensuring that their vision continues to evolve and dominate.

The Verdict: Two Paths, One Economy

Both businessmen and entrepreneurs play essential roles in the economy. While businessmen sustain and strengthen industries, entrepreneurs reshape and reinvent them. One ensures stability; the other fuels progress. The world needs both—the calculated strategist and the daring dreamer—to thrive and evolve.

So, which one are you? The businessman, securing success through structure and efficiency? Or the entrepreneur, forging a new path with innovation and risk? Perhaps the most powerful figures in business are those who can blend both mindsets—balancing vision with execution, and innovation with strategy. The choice is yours.