My association with Filipino inventors dates back many years ago. I am referring to my friends – members of the Filipino Inventors Society (FIS), an entity registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on December 28, 1953. Today, FIS has a total of eighty-eight (88) members.

On November 23-27, 2009, FIS will be hosting the National Inventors Week (NIW) at the Taguig City University Auditorium with the theme: “Inventors Geared to Resolve Climate Change, A Survival Issue.” The 5-day affair will highlight students invention contest, showcase Filipino inventions, render product demonstrations and trade, give lectures, seminars and symposia, with fora for the various fields of technologies that will align with the needs of business, industry and government.

FIS has gained international recognition for the country. For one, it is a voting member of the International Federation of Inventors Association (IFIA). FIS has also been a recipient of numerous grants from both the United Nations (UN) and IFIA to participate in international exhibits. FIS also takes pride for being featured in a commemorative stamp issued by the Philippine Postal Corporation on November 30, 1993 to commemorate FIS’s 50 years anniversary.

For its commitment to continue the yearly hosting of the National Inventors Week, let me take this opportunity to congratulate the FIS officers and directors, as follows: Gil M. Chua, National President; Manny R. Corleto, Vice President for Luzon; Jun V. Navarro, Vice President for Visayas; Jun B. Gonzales, Vice President for Mindanao; Julius F. Villanueva, National Secretary; Rudy B. Biescas, National Treasurer; Manny R. Dono, National Auditor; Dante U. Ursua, Public Relation Officer; Erdie M. Evangelista, Public Relation Officer; Rod B. Evano, Sgt. At Arms; Jun P. Deauna II, Sgt. At Arms; Dr. Benjamin S. Santos, Ph.D, National Chairman of the Board; Ray G. Ferrera, National Director; Ferdinand D. Crisologo, National Director; Meland G. Dilodilo, National Director.

Here are some inventions of some of the FIS members:

• COINBANK – being used by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) in its Tulong Barya Para sa Eskwela. Invented by Jun Gonzales who also invented the Coin Sorter-Dispenser;

• Pressure Cooker with special features invented by Manny Malonzo;

• Safety Device for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) invented by Julius Villanueva;

• Ironmatic (electric iron) that has electricity saver feature;

• A specially-designed thrash cart for garbage collection for street sweepers. Invented by Jun Chua;

• King Bamboo Flute invented by Dante Ursua;

• Strengthened reinforced steel bars. Invented by Ben Yao;

• Voca CDX101, a stereo amplifier described as the “only amplifier in the world that can accurately reproduce live surround sound as perfectly as it was originally recorded. Invented by Carlos Casas;

• Personalized Flash Cards used in schools invented by Rod Evano;

• Additive Pertua Motor Oil being used by helicopters in US. Invented by Jun Simon;

• Recycled Oil invented by Ben Santos;

• Griller with special features invented by Manny Dono;

Inventors-members of FIS are a special breed indeed. They are patient and persevering. Never complaining even if the incentives that come their way cannot match those of other groups. Their open curious minds to see beyond what is known are not hampered or blurred by the lack of funding for product development and research. They are steadfast in their commitment that they can make a difference in the lives of others. And lastly, they never lost hope that they will soon have that long-awaited breakthrough.

The above-mentioned traits of inventors of the FIS including my good friend, 72-year-old Cesar Sanvictores who recently joined our Lord are heartening to note. To this date, I can still see the beaming face of Cesar Sanvictores passionately sharing with me what FIS is doing for the country. The last time I saw him in my office was about two (2) months before he died. It was very obvious as I listen to Cesar Sanvictores talk about FIS that his mission in life was to keep FIS moving forward.

Have a joyful day!