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 By Mirielle Vacal


 
Official Photo of Engr. Mark Kennedy Bantugon on the EPO Website: https://www.epo.org/en/news-events/young-inventors-prize/mark-kennedy-bantugon

Bicutan, Taguig - Engr. Mark Kennedy Bantugon, a trailblazing Filipino inventor from Batangas and a distinguished program proponent of the DOST-TAPI, is poised to make history as he competes among the world’s best and brightest young minds in the European Patent Office (EPO) “Tomorrow’s Shape: Young Inventors Prize 2025”. He is one of the ten exceptionally-talented individuals vying for the top honors, and the Philippines has a unique opportunity to advance him to victory through a global public vote. 

From harnessing the potential of a pili tree to develop a sustainable adhesive for the aviation industry, Engr. Bantugon, through his “Pili Adheseal” innovation, has been consistently elevating the profile of Filipino innovation on the global stage. His remarkable work has earned him the 2021 James Dyson Award and the distinction of being the first Filipino recipient of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) National Award for Inventor, the highest recognition given by the esteemed WIPO in Geneva, Switzerland. 

By Jules Philip Tillay 


With powerful super typhoons, high-magnitude earthquakes, and violent volcanic eruptions, the Philippine archipelago has experienced catastrophic events throughout history that claimed thousands of lives and billions worth of infrastructure. 

While there are significant efforts to address the impacts of climate change and to improve disaster response, poor structural planning remains a key challenge in the country.  Without science-backed assessments, more communities are becoming vulnerable to natural hazards. 


To help address this growing concern, the DOST-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) developed unique online platforms under the GeoRiskPH Initiatives, in support of the recently enacted PHIVOLCS Modernization Law.