Philippines hold National Inventors’ Week

Source: CCTV.com | 11-27-2006 12:57

In the Philippines, National Inventors' Week is an opportunity for all. Though it doesn't have flash and glamour, it highlight creations that can bring practical benefits.

Every year in the third week of November, inventors from all over the Philippines gather in the capital city of Manila. From the outrageous to the practical, the exhibitors aim to show off their ingenuity and eye for innovation. Local people who come here can find herbal teas made from local plants, affordable cosmetics lines, or an electrically-stimulated seat cushion that re-energizes tired muscles.

There's even a coffin that can be rented. The idea is that people can rent out the outer casing, which is decorated to look expensive.

Fred Gantalao, Coffin-for-rent exhibitor said,"It's like a match box where you slide the compartment out. This is the metal casket. The purpose of this is to have a decent wake for those who cannot afford to buy expensive coffins."

There's also a kind of beer that doubles as a food supplement.

The inventor, Billy Malang says his beer won't serve as a meal replacement.

He adds vitamin B1 to his brew because it is a nutrient that is lost when one consumes a lot of alcohol, as alcohol interferes with the body's ability to absorb the vitamin.

Another product seeks to address a more serious concern - oil spills.

Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV) are helpful in oil spill clean-ups by enabling crews to assess the environmental damage or to help them siphon oil out of shipwrecks to prevent further damage.

Now, students from a local university say they have developed an ROV that is affordable and envision that every locally operated oil tanker in the country will be equipped with one.

Michael Poblete, one of the student inventors of the submersible, says he hopes that his invention will prove useful in cleaning up future oil spills.

Poblete is one of many inventors who have come to this exhibition hall hopeful that their invention will attract more than just passing interest.

But for other people the fair is just an opportunity to browse, be inspired or just check out the latest inventions.

Editor:Sun Luying