From Waste to Wonder: How Earth Board is Revolutionizing Sustainable Construction

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In the lush landscapes of the Philippines, where 347 million coconut trees sway in tropical breezes, a silent environmental crisis has been unfolding—until now.

The Problem Hidden in Plain Sight

Across the sun-drenched provinces of the Philippines, mountains of discarded coconut husks lie forgotten after harvest. These fibrous remnants—14 million tons annually—aren't just eyesores dotting the countryside. They've become breeding grounds for disease-carrying mosquitoes and rodents, threatening the very communities whose livelihoods depend on coconut farming.

It was during a fateful visit to Lanao Del Norte that Kenno Michael Uy witnessed this paradox firsthand.

"We saw massive piles of coconut husks—'bunot' as locals call them in Bisaya—abandoned after copra harvest season," Uy recounts, his voice carrying the weight of revelation. "These piles were becoming homes for mosquitoes and rats. We realized that removing them could solve a serious problem for farming communities."

What happened next would transform agricultural waste into environmental gold.

Inspiration Strikes

For most people, the sight of rotting coconut husks might provoke disgust or indifference. For Uy, founder and CEO of Lesstics, Inc., it sparked innovation.

Standing amid these forgotten remnants of the coconut industry, Uy didn't see waste—he saw opportunity. Drawing on his background in sustainable innovation and deep connection to the challenges facing coconut farmers, he envisioned something revolutionary: a sustainable alternative to traditional wood products that could address multiple problems simultaneously.

Birth of the Earth Board

The result of this vision is the Coir-reinforced Bio-based High-Density Polyurethane Composite—or more simply, the Earth Board.

This isn't just another eco-friendly product; it's a testament to human ingenuity at the intersection of sustainability and practical necessity. The Earth Board harnesses the natural strength of coconut husk fibers, typically discarded or burned, transforming them into a durable construction material that outperforms many conventional options.

The innovation proved so groundbreaking that it captured international attention, winning the prestigious Silver Award at the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva (IEIG)—placing Philippine innovation on the global stage.

Beyond Sustainable: A Superior Product

What makes Earth Board truly remarkable isn't just its eco-credentials but its exceptional performance characteristics:

Lower emissions: The bio-based composition releases fewer volatile organic compounds than conventional materials, reducing air pollution and health risks.

Superior strength: The plant-based binder formula provides enhanced structural integrity, making it suitable for demanding applications.

Moisture resistance: Unlike traditional wood products that warp and deteriorate in humid environments, Earth Board maintains its performance even in the Philippines' tropical climate.

Versatility: It serves as a direct replacement for plywood and synthetic boards across construction and furniture applications.

"The technology has been successfully developed and tested, proving its strength, durability, and eco-friendly benefits through various performance and safety assessments," explains Uy, the quiet confidence in his words reflecting years of rigorous development.

The Man Behind the Innovation

Uy's journey to creating Earth Board wasn't accidental. His company, Lesstics, Inc., has sustainability woven into its very DNA. Prior innovations include a No-Rinse Hand Wash Formula derived from coconut oil and Eco-Roofing Tiles manufactured from single-use plastic.

"I am motivated to innovate by the desire to make a tangible, positive impact on both the people and the planet," Uy states, the simplicity of his words belying the complexity of the challenges he tackles.

His partnership with Amierson Tilendo and other experts brought the specialized knowledge needed to transform the concept of Earth Board into reality—a perfect synthesis of vision and technical expertise.

Beyond Environmental Impact: Economic Transformation

For Uy, Earth Board represents more than environmental sustainability—it's about economic justice.

Growing up witnessing the hardships faced by coconut farmers, he recognized that true sustainability must include human welfare. Earth Board creates a virtuous cycle: agricultural waste becomes valuable raw material, farmers gain additional income streams, and local economies benefit from new manufacturing opportunities.

This holistic approach caught the attention of the Department of Science and Technology - Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI). Through their Expanded Venture Financing Program, Lesstics, Inc. received crucial seed funding to bring Earth Board to market.

The Road Ahead

With production scaling up to meet growing demand, Uy and his team at Lesstics, Inc. now face the challenges of growth and market expansion.

"We are actively seeking funding through investors, grants, and competitions to further expand production and distribution," Uy explains. "Additionally, we're establishing supply chains and distribution networks both locally and internationally to bring our sustainable products to a broader audience."

The journey from waste-filled fields to international recognition exemplifies how innovation can transform environmental challenges into opportunities. As Earth Board moves from concept to commercial reality, it carries with it the potential to reshape both construction practices and rural economies.

In the story of Earth Board, we find a powerful reminder: sometimes the most revolutionary solutions aren't about creating something entirely new, but about seeing the hidden value in what others have discarded.

This article is part of the "Shape The Future Through Innovations: Pagsulong Tungo sa Gintong Tagumpay" Campaign for the 50th IEIG. For more information and event updates, please visit the DOST-TAPI website at www.tapi.dost.gov.ph.

The Doctor Will See You Now: How One Man's Frustration Revolutionized Filipino Healthcare

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

A father's two-hour wait sparked a telemedicine revolution that's changing the face of healthcare across the Philippines

The waiting room was packed. Children cried. Adults scrolled mindlessly through their phones, stealing glances at the clock. Two hours had passed, and software developer Noel Gary Del Castillo sat with his children, waiting for a doctor who might not even be in the building.

"We'd bring our kids for checkups and just wait... and wait," Del Castillo recalls, the frustration still evident in his voice. "Two hours of our lives, gone. And we weren't even sure if the doctor was actually there."

It was in this moment of exasperation—a moment shared by countless Filipinos every day—that the seed for a healthcare revolution was planted.

A Nation Left Waiting

Del Castillo's experience wasn't an anomaly. It was symptomatic of a healthcare crisis affecting the entire nation. In a country where only 50 percent of citizens have timely access to healthcare, millions are forced to choose between enduring grueling waits or foregoing medical attention altogether.

Primary care services—routine checkups, vaccinations, treatment for minor injuries—remain frustratingly out of reach for many. Rural communities are hit hardest, with some patients traveling hours only to discover their doctor isn't available.

"I kept thinking, 'There has to be a better way,'" says Del Castillo. "And then I realized—maybe I could build it."

The Birth of SeeYouDoc

What began as a personal frustration blossomed into SeeYouDoc—now the Philippines' only fully integrated cloud-based telemedicine platform. The innovation was so groundbreaking that it recently captured the prestigious Gold Award at the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva (IEIG).

But the journey from concept to award-winning reality wasn't without challenges.

"Building a medical platform isn't like creating a social media app," Del Castillo explains. "Lives literally depend on it working correctly. The stakes couldn't be higher."

A Virtual Waiting Room Without the Wait

SeeYouDoc's elegance lies in its simplicity. Through an intuitive website and mobile app, patients connect with board-certified physicians through real-time video and audio calls—from their living rooms, office breaks, or anywhere with internet access.

The platform's automated scheduling system has eliminated one of healthcare's greatest frustrations: uncertainty. Patients can view doctors' availability in real-time, book appointments with a few taps, and know exactly when they'll be seen.

"We've given people something precious back—their time," Del Castillo says with visible pride. "No more taking half a day off work just to see a doctor for five minutes."

Battling the Trust Deficit

In an era of data breaches and privacy concerns, building a medical platform presented unique challenges. Medical records contain some of our most sensitive information, and patients needed assurance their data would remain secure.

"Trust is everything in healthcare," Del Castillo emphasizes. "If patients don't trust you with their information, nothing else matters."

SeeYouDoc addressed these concerns head-on with end-to-end encryption, role-based access controls, and audit-trail features. The platform meets rigorous international standards, including GDPR and HIPAA compliance—a rarity among Filipino healthcare technologies.

When technical issues arise, Del Castillo's team springs into action. "We have a bug tracking system that alerts us immediately to any problems," he explains. "Our development team monitors it constantly and prioritizes fixes in our pipeline."

This commitment to security and reliability has helped the platform gain acceptance even among traditionally tech-skeptical healthcare providers.

From Personal Project to National Resource

The COVID-19 pandemic thrust telemedicine into the spotlight, turning what many considered a convenience into a necessity overnight. As hospitals overflowed and infection risks soared, SeeYouDoc offered a lifeline.

"Word spread quickly among medical practitioners," Del Castillo recalls. "Doctors who were hesitant about telemedicine suddenly became our strongest advocates."

Government support followed. The Department of Science and Technology's Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI) recognized SeeYouDoc's potential and provided crucial backing through various programs.

"DOST-TAPI's support was transformative," Del Castillo acknowledges. "They helped us secure not just local patents but international ones as well. And in October 2024, we received over 2 million pesos in seed funding through their Expanded Venture Financing Program."

This official backing helped SeeYouDoc forge partnerships with both private clinics and major public institutions like the Philippine Orthopedic Center and Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center. Local governments in Marikina, Paranaque, Lal-lo (Cagayan), and Mendez (Cavite) integrated the platform into their public health programs.

A Growing Healthcare Community

What began as one father's frustration has evolved into a thriving ecosystem connecting over 40,000 patients with more than 1,700 healthcare professionals. For many Filipinos, SeeYouDoc has transformed from a convenient alternative to their primary healthcare gateway.

Beyond connecting patients with doctors, the platform now helps hospitals build functional websites with customized dashboards where staff can manage appointments and review patient feedback—digitizing institutions that had relied on paper records for decades.

"We're not just creating software; we're building infrastructure," Del Castillo explains. "Each hospital, each clinic that joins our network strengthens the entire healthcare system."

The Human Touch in Digital Healthcare

Despite its technological sophistication, Del Castillo insists SeeYouDoc's greatest achievement is profoundly human: giving people control over their healthcare journey.

"Technology should eliminate barriers, not create new ones," he says. "Every feature we build asks one question first: 'Will this make healthcare more accessible to the average Filipino?'"

For the mother who no longer needs childcare to see a doctor, the rural patient who saves a four-hour journey, or the working professional who can consult a specialist during lunch break—SeeYouDoc has transformed the healthcare experience.

As the platform continues to expand across the Philippines, Del Castillo's vision has grown beyond solving his personal frustration. He now sees a future where quality healthcare is never more than a few clicks away for every Filipino, regardless of location or circumstances.

"That waiting room where this all began?" Del Castillo smiles. "It's now in the palm of your hand. And the doctor is definitely in."

This article is part of the "Shape The Future Through Innovations: Pagsulong Tungo sa Gintong Tagumpay" Campaign for the 50th IEIG. For more information and event updates, please visit the DOST-TAPI website at www.tapi.dost.gov.ph.

Ilocos Sur Rises as Talent Capital of the Philippines: Youth Brilliance Unleashed at NSPC and NFOT 2025

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Beneath the timeless charm of Spanish-era architecture and the echo of horse-drawn kalesas, history is not just being preserved in Ilocos Sur—it is being made.

This week, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vigan City is not merely a postcard-perfect destination. It has transformed into the pulsating heart of the Philippines’ youth creativity as it hosts the 2025 National Schools Press Conference (NSPC) and National Festival of Talents (NFOT)—a dual convergence of intellect, artistry, and innovation drawing over 5,500 young visionaries from every corner of the archipelago.

With the official opening of the conferences, Ilocos Sur proudly takes on the mantle as the "Talent Capital of the Philippines." The week-long celebration is a testament to the resilience, promise, and boundless potential of Filipino youth, especially in a time when artificial intelligence is reshaping the landscape of media and creative industries.

Empowering Voices in the AI Era

Carrying the powerful theme “Empowering Filipino Youth: Unleashing Potentials in Journalism and Creative Industries in the Era of Artificial Intelligence,” NSPC and NFOT 2025 challenge the next generation not just to compete—but to lead.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara set the tone at the opening rites, declaring that the nation must leave no student behind. “Gusto po ni Pangulong Marcos ay walang naiiwan sa ating sistema ng edukasyon,” Angara said. “Kaya’t pino-promote po natin itong events at competitions para mahasa nang husto ang ating mga kabataan.”

More than just contests, these platforms are shaping futures.

3,300 campus journalists from various regions are locked in friendly but fierce competition in editorial writing, photojournalism, collaborative publishing, and broadcast categories. Meanwhile, 2,200 student creatives are illuminating the stage in TLE exhibitions, performing arts, innovation challenges, and more.

Jessica Soho’s Challenge to the Youth

The gravitas of the event was further elevated by keynote speaker Jessica Soho, one of the country’s most respected broadcast journalists. With candor and conviction, she urged participants to wield their pens, cameras, and microphones not just with skill—but with responsibility.

“I-focus niyo rin ang inyong energy at mga camera sa mga isyu at problema sa komunidad o lipunan na kailangang pagtuunan ng pansin,” Soho emphasized. “Lalo na kung ang nakasalalay ay kaligtasan at kapakanan ng marami.”

In an age flooded with misinformation, her call to “tell true and necessary stories” resonated like a call to arms for truth-seeking warriors.

NSPC: Where Journalism Meets AI

While most NSPC competitions took place on May 20, today’s final rounds include TV Scriptwriting and Radio Broadcasting.

But beyond the competition, innovation takes center stage. A special Mobile Journalism Exhibition on May 22 will explore how technology redefines storytelling. Meanwhile, crucial discussions on Media and Information Literacy (MIL) and AI in Journalism—led by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) and Assistant Professor Vengie M. Ravelo of Western Philippines University—will empower students to ethically and effectively navigate the evolving media landscape.

NFOT: Building Future-Ready Filipino Innovators

Simultaneously, the NFOT highlights the prowess of young minds in Technology and Livelihood Education (TLE), with performances and demonstrations that echo not just creativity, but future readiness.

DepEd Secretary Angara emphasized the role of such platforms in preparing students for the future:

“The NFOT is about shaping a workforce ready for the future. DepEd will continue to push for the integration of future-ready skills like AI, coding, and digital innovation into the basic education curriculum.”

Indeed, the festival is a laboratory of innovation, a stage for the nation’s young coders, engineers, artists, and culture-bearers to shine—and shape the country’s destiny.

Eyes on the Prize, Hearts on the Mission

Region XI (Davao Region) holds the current title in NSPC, having dethroned the nine-year reign of CALABARZON. Meanwhile, Region IV-A (CALABARZON) reigned supreme in last year’s NFOT. As this year's competitions heat up, the question remains: who will rise as the new champions?

All eyes now turn to the NFOT awarding ceremony on May 22 (Thursday), followed by the NSPC awarding and closing program on May 23 (Friday)—where glory, recognition, and dreams will converge.

Ilocos Sur: A Cradle of Culture and Creativity

For one radiant week, Vigan is more than a heritage site—it is a sanctuary where tradition meets transformation, where past and future converge.

By bringing together the brightest youth in journalism and the creative arts, DepEd and its partners are not just celebrating talent. They are fueling a movement. A movement where the Filipino youth, empowered by technology and guided by truth, claim their place as the torchbearers of a new era.

In Ilocos Sur, that movement is alive—and the nation is watching.

Article by Wilma Quintans Del Rosario, founder of Wazzup Pilipinas – The Pambansang Blog ng Pilipinas