Filipino Inventors and Filipino Scientists

1. Angel Alcala - Filipino Biologist : Angel Alcala has more than thirty years of experience in tropical marine resource conservationa. Angel Alcala is considered a world class authority in ecology and biogeography of amphibians and reptiles, and is behind the invention of artifical coral reefs to be used for fisheries in Southeast Asia. Angel Alcala is the Director of the Angelo King Center for Research and Environmental Management. Angel Alcala - Degrees: Undergraduate degree Silliman University Ph.D. Stanford University Angel Alcala - Awards: 1994 - The Field Museum Founders' Council Award of Merit for contributions to environmental biology Magsaysay Award for Public Service Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation Work with Philippine Amphibians & Reptiles: Angel Alcala has done the most comprehensive studies on Philippine amphibians and reptiles, and minor studies on birds and mammals. His research done between 1954 to 1999 lead to the addition of fifty new species of amphibians and reptiles.

2. Arturo Alcaraz - Volcanologist: Doctor Arturo Alcaraz is a volcanologist specializing in geothermal energy development. In 1967, Arturo Alcaraz and team powered an electric light bulb using steam-powered electricity. Power coming from a Volcano near the town of Tiwi. This was the first geothermal power generated in the Philippines. 3. Benjamin Almeda - Significance: Benjamin Almeda designed several food-processing machines.

Almeda Cottage Industry: In 1954, Benjamin Almeda founded the Almeda Cottage Industry (now the Almedah Food Machineries Corporation) which manufactured his basic food processing inventions including his rice grinder, meat grinder and coconut grater.

4. Julian Banzon - Filipino Chemist: Filipino chemist, Julian Banzon researched methods of producing alternative fuels. Julian Banzon experimented with the production of ethyl esters fuels from sugarcane and coconut, and invented a means of extracting residual coconut oil by a chemical process rather than a physical process.

Julian Banzon - Degrees: BS in Chemistry from the University of the Philippines - 1930 Ph.D. in Biophysical Chemistry from Iowa State University - 1940 Julian Banzon - Awards: 1980: Distinguished Service Award - Integrated Chemist of the Philippines, Inc. 1978: Chemist of the Year Award - Professional Regulation Commission 1976: Philsugin Award - Crop Society of the Philippines 5. Ramon Barba - Best Known For: Filipino scientist, Ramon Barba is best known for his advancements in mango farming research and tropical tree physiology. Ramon Barba invented techniques to promote crop flowering using a potassium nitrate spray. The Philippines is a leading exporter of mangoes and mango products. Ramon Barba - Education: B.S. Agronomy (Fruits) University of the Philippines, 1958 M. Sci. Horticulture, University of Georgia, 1962 Ph.D., Horticulture, University of Hawaii, 1967

Ramon Barba - Other Accomplishments: Ramon Barba has advanced the research for many tropical crops including bananas, cassava, sugarcane on plant physiology and plant breeding. 6. Benjamin Cabrera - Filipino Scientist: Doctor Benjamin Cabrera has written more than a hundred scientific publications on medical parasitology and public health - in particle research on filariasis. He has developed innovations in drug treatments against diseases caused by mosquitoes and agricultural soil. Benjamin Cabrera - Degrees: 1945 - M.D. at the University of the Philippines 1950 -M.P.H.in Medical Parasitology and Public Health at Tulane University Benjamin Cabrera - Awards: 1996 - Philippine Legion of Honor Presedential Award 7. Paulo Campos - Filipino Scientist: Filipino scientist, Doctor Paulo Campos is a specialist in nuclear medicine and the award winning writer of over seventy-five scientific papers including: Observation of Some Parameter of Insulin Action Cr-51 Tagged Red Cell Studies The Genetic Factor in Endemic Goiter Paulo Campos built the first radioisotope laboratory in the Philippines. 8. Magdalena Cantoria: Magdalena Cantoria is a noted Filipino botanist who is known for her research in the morphology, physiology, and biochemistry of drug plants, in particular agar, rauwolfia, datura, mint and Piper.

Magdalena Cantoria - Awards: 1954 - Edwin Leigh Newcomb Award in pharmacognosy given by the American Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education 1962 - Edwin Leigh Newcomb Award (for research on the growth and development of Daturia strasmodium L.) 1977 - Most Outstanding Phi Sigman 9. Josefino Comiso - Filipino Physicist: Josefino Comiso is a Filipino physicist working at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center studing global warming in the Arctic. Josefino Comiso was the first person to discover a recurring polynya in the Cosmonaut Sea, south of the Indian Ocean. A polynya is a semipermanent area of open water in sea ice.

10. Lourdes Cruz - Filipino Biochemist: Doctor Lourdes Cruz has made scientific contributions to the biochemistry field of conotoxins, in particular the toxins of the venom of the marine snail Conus geographus. Lourdes Cruz documented the biochemical characterization of the homologous highly toxic monomeric peptides with internal disulfide bonds including: Conotoxin GI, Conotoxin GIA and Conotoxin GII. Lourdes Cruz has helped develop conotoxins for the purpose biochemical probes for examining the activities of the human brain. Lourdes Cruz has published over one hundred and twenty papers in her field of study. Lourdes Cruz - Degrees: B.S. Chemistry, University of the Philippines, 1962 M.S. Biochemistry, University of Iowa, 1966 Ph.D. Biochemistry, University of Iowa, 1968 Lourdes Cruz - Awards: NAST Outstanding Young Scientist Award 1981

 NRCP Achievement Award in Chemistry 1982 Outstanding Women in the Nation's Service Award (Biochemistry) 1986 National Scientist 2008 Also known as: Lourdes Jansuy Cruz Rural Livelihood Incubator: Lourdes Cruz established the Rural Livelihood Incubator in 2001. The program offers jobs and training in an effort to decrease poverty for rural Filipinos. 11. Rolando de la Cruz - Filipino Scientist and Inventor: Rolando de la Cruz invented DeBCC an anti-cancer skin cream made from cashew nuts and other local herbs from the Phillipines. Rolando de la Cruz's cream combats basal cell carcinoma or skin cancer without causing any side effects. 12. Emerita De Guzman: Filipino scientist Emerita De Guzman researched the propagation of pure makapuno trees. In particular, she studied the growth and development, in vitro, of the makapuno coconut embryo. Emerita De Guzman research led to the faster propagation of pure macapuno trees and increased makapuno nut production from 3-5 makapuno nuts to 1419 nuts. Emerita De Guzman also invented tissue culture techniques for the rapid propagation of abaca and banana plants. Emerita De Guzman - Education: Bachelor's degree in Botany from the University of the Philippines in 1953 MS degree in Plant Physiology from Cornell University in 1956 Ph.D. in Plant Physiology from Cornell University in 1961 Emerita De Guzman - Awards: Rizal Pro Patria award 1976 SEARCA professional Chair in Plant Physiology 1974-1976

 Outstanding Scientist Award of the Philippine Association for the Advancement of Science 1976 Professional Award for agriculture of the UP Alumni Association, 1977

13. Filipino Doctor Fe Del Mundo - Inventor: Doctor Fe Del Mundo is credited with studies that lead to the invention of an improved incubator and a jaundice relieving device. She has dedicated her life to the cause of pediatrics in the Philippines. Fe Del Mundo - Awards: In 1966, Fe Del Mundo received the Elizabeth Blackwell Award for "outstanding service to mankind". In 1977, Fe Del Mundo received the Ramon Magsaysay Award for outstanding public service. She also received the 15th International Congress of Pediatrics award as most outstanding pediatrician and humanitarian in 1977. Fe Del Mundo - Biography: Fe Del Mundo was born in Manila on November 27, 1911. She was the sixth of eight children. At age fifteen, Fe Del Mundo entered the University of the Philippines and received an Associate in Arts and later a medical degree with highest honors. In 1940, she received a M.A. in bacteriology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. 14. Anacleto Del Rosario: Filipino chemist, Anacleto Del Rosario won the first prize at the World Fair in Paris in 1881 for his formula for producing a pure kind of alcohol from tuba of a nipa palm. His research also led to the extraction of castor oil from a native plant called palma christi.

15. Ernesto Del Rosario: Filipino chemist, Ernesto Del Rosario is best known for his achievements in biotechnology and applied physical chemistry. He has invented methods of alcohol production from cellulosic and starchy materials, a method of continuous-flow alcohol fermentation process, and a method of yeast production from waste coconut water.

Ernesto Del Rosario - Education: Ph.D. in Chemistry Ernesto Del Rosario - Awards: TOYM Award for Natural Science 1977

16. Roberto del Rosario - Filipino Inventor: Roberto del Rosario is the president of the Trebel Music Corporation and the inventor of the Karaoke Sing Along System in 1975. Roberto del Rosario has patented more than twenty inventions making him one of the most prolific Filipino inventor. Besides his famous Karaoke Sing Along System Roberto del Rosario has also invented: Trebel Voice Color Code (VCC) piano tuner's guide piano keyboard stressing device voice color tape Roberto del Rosario - Noted Patents: Patent No. UM-5269 dated 2 June 1983 for audio equipment and improved audio equipment commonly known as the sing-along system or karaoke Patent No. UM-6237 dated 14 November 1986 audio equipment and improved audio equipment commonly known as the sing-along system or karaoke Roberto del Rosario - Karaoke Sing Along System: Karaoke is a Japanese expression for singing along to a famous record with the vocals removed. Roberto del Rosario described his sing-along system as a handy multi-purpose compact machine which incorporates an amplifier speaker, one or two tape mechanisms, optional tuner or radio and microphone mixer with features to enhance one's voice, such as the echo or reverb to stimulate an opera hall or a studio sound, with the whole system enclosed in one cabinet casing.

17. Daniel Dingel - Water-Powered Car or Water-Powered Hoax?: Filipino inventor, Daniel Dingel designs cars that run on water. The Philippine Daily Inquirer reported that Daniel Dingel built a water-fueled automobile engine as early as 1969. Dingel has no patents and many members of the science community feel that his water-powered car is a hoax. However, Daniel Dingel has demonstrated his car without any technical papers or explanation as to how it works. And if it does work, a waterpowered car would be a fantastic invention. Daniel Dingel - Claims: Daniel Dingel claims his engine has a chamber that breaks apart water molecules to produce combustible hydrogen. Electricity from a 12-volt car battery to used to split the water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen components, with the hydrogen then used to power the car engine. Water-Based Fuels: American inventors, Rudolf Gunnerman, Stanley Meyer and the researchers of the Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory have been researching water-based fuels. 18. Filipino Scientist, Gregorio Zara invented the Videophone Filipino scientist Gregorio Y. Zara (D.Sc. Physics) invented, made improvements to, or discovered the following: invented the two-way television telephone or videophone (1955) patented as a "photo phone signal separator network" discovered the physical law of electrical kinetic resistance called the Zara effect (around 1930) invented an airplane engine that ran on plain alcohol as fuel (1952) improved methods of producing solar energy including creating new designs for a solar water heater (SolarSorber), a sun stove, and a solar battery (1960s) invented a propeller-cutting machine (1952) designed a microscope with a collapsible stage helped design the robot Marex X-10

Gregorio Zara's list of accomplishments also includes the following awards: Presidential Diploma of Merit Distinguished Service Medal (1959) for his pioneering works and achievements in solar energy research, aeronautics and television. Presidential Gold Medal and Diploma of Honor for Science and Research (1966) Cultural Heritage Award for Science Education and Aero Engineering (1966) Gregorio Zara born in Lipa City, Batangas, is one of the best known scientist from the Philippines. In 1926, Gregorio Zara graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. In 1927, he received his Masters degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Michigan. In 1930, he graduated with a Doctorate of Physics from Sorbonne University. On September 30, 1954 Gregorio Zara's alcohol-fueled airplane engine was successfully tested and flown at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. 19. Carmen Velasquez - Discoveries: Noted Filipino biologist, Carmen Velasquez is a specialist in fish parasitology - the study of parasites and hosts among fish. Carmen Velasquez discovered thirty-two species and one new genus of digenetic trematodes (parasites) in local fish from the Philippines. Carmen Velasquez - List of Distinctions: Carmen Velasquez is listed in the following: American Men and Women of Science International Scholars' Directory International Who's Who of Intellectuals World Whos' Who of Women Carmen Velasquez - University Degrees: BS (Zoology), University of the Philippines, 1934 MS (Zoology), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, 1937 Ph. D. (Parasitology) University of the Philippines, 1954 20. Filipino Chemist - Francisco Santos:

Filipino agricultural chemist, Doctor Francisco Santos studied the nutritive values and chemical composition of local foods from the Philippines. His data was used to help detect and solve problems with Filipino diets. Francisco Santos - Degrees: A.B., University of the Philippines, 1914 M.S., University of the Philippines, 1919 Ph. D. Agricultural Chemistry, Yale University, 1922 Francisco Santos - Awards: Doctor Francisco Santos was recipient of a number of awards including: Distinguished Service Medal for outstanding contribution in the field of nutrition among Filipinos, 1955 Andres Soriano award in chemistry, 1956 University of the Philippines Alumni award, 1979 21. Eduardo San Juan - Filipino Inventor: Mechanical engineer, Eduardo San Juan (aka The Space Junkman) worked on the team that invented the Lunar Rover or Moon Buggy. Eduardo San Juan is considered the primary designer of the Lunar Rover. San Juan was also the designer for the Articulated Wheel System. Prior, to the Apollo Program, Eduardo San Juan worked on the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM). Moon Buggy: In 1971, the Moon Buggy was first used by during the Apollo 12 landing to explore the Moon. Eduardo San Juan - Education & Awards: Eduardo San Juan graduated from Mapua Institute of Technology. He then studied Nuclear Engineering at the University of Washington. In 1978, San Juan received one of the Ten Outstanding Men (TOM) awards in science and technology. Eduardo San Juan - On a Personal Note:

Elisabeth San Juan, the proud daughter of Eduardo San Juan, had the following to say about her father. When my Father submitted the conceptual design for the Lunar Rover he submitted it via Brown Engineering, a company owned by Lady Bird Johnson. During the final test demonstration to select one design from various submissions, his was the only one that worked. Thus, his design won the NASA Contract. His overall concept and design of the Articulated Wheel System was considered brilliant. Each wheel appendage was mounted not underneath the vehicle, but were placed outside the body of the vehicle and each was motorized. Wheels could work independently of the others. It was designed to negotiate crater ingress and egress. The other vehicles did not make it into or out of the test crater. Our Father, Eduardo San Juan, was a very positively charged creative who enjoyed a healthy sense of humor. 22. Eduardo Quisumbing - Filipino Botanist: Filipino botanist, Eduardo Quisumbing was a noted expert in the medicinal plants of the Philippines. He was author of more than 129 scientific articles. many on orchids. Eduardo Quisumbing served as the Director of the National Museum of the Philippines, where he rebuilt the Herbarium. The plant "saccolabium quisumbingii" is named in honor of Eduardo Quisumbing. Eduardo Quisumbing - Degrees: BSA at University of the Philippines Los Baos - 1918 MS at the University of the Philippines Los Baos - 1921 Ph. D. at University of Chicago (Plant Taxonomy, Systematics and Morphology) 1923 Eduardo Quisumbing - Awards: 1954 - Distinguished Service Star for outstanding contribution to the field of systematic botany 1966 - Diploma of Merit on Orchidology 1966 - Fellow Gold Medal from the Malaysian Orchid Society

 1975 - PhilAAS Most Outstanding Award

23. Francisco Quisumbing - Filipino Inventor: Filipino chemist, Francisco Quisumbing invented Quink ink, which is used in Parker Pens. Quink ink is named after Francisco Quisumbing and is also an amalgam of "quick and ink". It is a quick drying ink with a cleaning property that prevents the ink from clogging the pen.

24. William Padolina: William Padolina has served as the Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology for the Philippines where he directed researchers and the private sector and enabled the growth of the Internet and e-commerce in the Philippines. William Padolina has also served as the Deputy Director General of the Philippines-based International Rice Research Institute. William Padolina - Degrees: BS (magna cum laude) in Agricultural Chemistry at the University of the Philippines Los Baos (UPLB) - 1968 PhD (botany/phytochemistry) University of Texas - 1973 William Padolina - Awards: 1985: TOYM Award for Science and Technology 1988: UP System Outstanding Administrator Award 1989: PANTAS Award in Research Managemen 1999: Philippine Legion of Honor, Rank of Officer William Padolina - Quotes: We need Filipinos to be highly literate in science and technology. Without this literacy, our people will become easy prey for our competitors that do not hesitate to take advantage of our ignorance.

25. Felix Maramba - Known For: Felix Maramba built a coconut oil-fueled power generator. He also is the developer of one of the world's most profitable biogas systems. Felix Maramba - Other Achievements: Felix Maramba is the president of the Philippine Association of Flour Millers, Inc. Felix Maramba wrote: Biogas and Waste Recycling, The Philippine Experience. Benefits of Biogas Systems: Less pollution of the air and waters Improves local economics

Increases productive of land by recycling systems of farming.

26. Hilario Lara: Doctor Hilario Lara is a medical researcher and public health specialist who has studied the spread of cholera, typhoid fever, dysentery, measles and diphtheria resulting in the prevention of those diseases in the Phillipines. Hilario Lara also established the Institute of Public Health at the University of the Philippines and helped establish the National Research Council of the Philippines. Hilario Lara - Degrees: MD received at the University of the Philippines in 1919 MPH received at Johns Hopkins University in 1923 Dr. PH received at Johns Hopkins University in 1923 27. Francisco Fronda: Doctor Francisco Fronda is know as the Father of poultry science in the Philippines. Francisco Fronda has improved methods of production for the poultry and livestock

industry. He is also the author of the book Poultry Science Production and was one of the first five people in the world to earn a doctorate in Poultry Science.

Francisco Fronda - Degrees: BSA from the University of the Philippines Los Baos - 1919 MS in Animal Husbandry from Cornell University - 1920 [lik]PhD in Animal Husbandry from Cornell University - 1922 Francisco Fronda - Awards: Father of Thai Poultry Industry honor presented by Her Royal Highness, the Crown Princess of Thailand - 1982 National Scientist - 1983