The Manila Water Foundation (MWF) awarded four winners in its search for the 2019 Prize for Engineering Excellence.
The winners were Dr. Ruel M. Mojica, vice president for Research and Extension of the Cavite State University in Indang, Cavite; Dr. Francis Aldriene A. Uy, dean of the School of Civil, Environmental and Geological Engineering, Mapua University in Manila; Engr. Rey A. Ramos, Civil Engineering faculty at Carlos Hilado Memorial State College-Talisay Campus in Negros Occidental from the academe; and Engr. Alexis T. Belonio, senior research fellow from the Philippine Rice Research Institute, Science City of Muñoz in Nueva Ecija.
They were honored during the recent awarding ceremonies.
The Prize, in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Philippine Technological Council (PTC), is a nationwide search for engineers who manifest excellence in engineering competence, inspiring passion to make a difference, and outstanding commitment to the development of communities resulting in projects that champion water, sanitation, environment and sustainability.
The awardees of the Prize undergo a thorough and intensive selection process.
Mojica, an agricultural engineer by profession, was recognized for his invention of a computerized coffee-roasting machine, called Bravura. The machine has been commercialized and dubbed as the cheapest among its kind worldwide.
The innovation help increase farmers’ income and uplift their livelihood opportunities while strengthening the local coffee industry.
Meanwhile, Uy, came up with the Universal Structural Health Evaluation and Recording System, an earthquake preventive measure that can assess the health and safety of buildings.
Belonio created a rice husk gasifier that can convert agricultural waste to a cheaper source of clean gaseous fuel. It can also mitigate greenhouse gases and carbon-dioxide emissions.
Likewise, Ramos invented the Bottle-Net Life Jacket, a low-cost floatation device made from fishing nets and recycled plastic wastes. It aims to provide livelihood to marginalized communities.
Through the Prize, MWF and its partners, PTC and DOST, hope to inspire and empower all Filipino engineers to serve the country better through engineering solutions resulting in positive social impacts.
Antonio G. Papa