Module 1
Lesson 3 : Philippine Inventions
At the end of the lesson, you should be able to:
1. Describe the different Philippine inventions and its purpose
2. Explain the reasons as to why the given inventions are invented
3. State inventions that greatly affect their everyday lives
Philippine Inventions
Despite being considered a developing country,the Philippines also contributes to the global advancement of Science and
Technology. It is quite remarkable to note the ingenuity of the Filipinos despite the lack in resources. The Philippines is known to
be one of the most vulnerable countries in terms of natural disasters. Many of the discoveries and inventions made by Filipinos
were therefore built from indigenous materials or created to adapt to the harsh tropical environment.
1. Salamander Amphibious Tricycle
It has become ordinary for Filipinos to convert transport vehicles into something more useful. An example is the conversion of
American Military jeeps in World war II into jeepneys. Another Filipino innovation is the addition of sidecar to a
motorcycle,transforming it into a tricycle to accommodate passengers.
During the rainy season, flooding is s a common occurrence in many areas in the country. Tricycles find it very difficult to
traverse many areas. To remedy the situation,Victor Llave and his team H2O Technologies were able to invent the Salamander, an
amphibious tricycle that can cross not only flooded streets but also rivers and lakes. It may also be utilized to travel from island to
island. Since the Philippine archipelago,the Salamander is a useful invention that has a lot of potential.
2. SALT lamp
One of the major needs in the Philippines, as a developing nation is electrification. Electricity powers various types of
machines including light sources. In many rural areas in the country, activities would cease hen it gets dark. It also becomes more
dangerous to travel. Filipinos have resorted to using candles and kerosene lamps but they carry certain risks for they are fire
hazards. Solar power is also a welcome development but like rechargeable batteries, solar panels are too expensive for ordinary
Filipinos. Fortunately, a young Filipina inventor named Aisa Mijeno was able to invent a lighting system that utilizes a material
abundant in the Philippines-saltwater. The SALt lamp or the Sustainable Alternative Lighting Lamp is an environmentally friendly
light source that runs on saltwater. The SALt lamp is safer as it poses no risk of fire and emits no toxic gases. Aside from people
who live in coastal areas, it may also benefit those far-flung barrios because they can make their own saltwater by mixing tow
tablespoon of salt and a glass of tap water.
3. Medical incubator
A common problem in the Philippines is the high mortality rate of newborn babies.one reason for the problem in 2oth century
was the lack of available incubators especially in far flung areas due to lack of resources and electricity. Dr Fe del Mundo, a Filipino
pediatrician and the first Asian Woman admitted into Harvard Medical School,devised a medical incubator made from indigenous
and cheap materials which did not run on electricity. Dr. Del Mundo’s incubator was made by pacing a native laundry basket inside
a bigger one. Hot water bottles were inserted between the baskets to provide warmth and a makeshift hood to allow oxygen
circulation. Its main purpose as to maintain conditions suitable for a newborn usually a pr-term baby. Other breakthrough in
Philippine medicine attributed to Dr. Del Mundo include her works on the immunization and treatment of jaundice and the BRAT
diet for curing diarrhea.
4. Mosquito Ovicidal/Larvicidal Trap system
Dengue, a mosquito borne viral illness, is endemic in tropical and subtropical areas including the Philippines. This virus is
usually transmitted by Aegis aegypti mosquito, rampant during the rainy season. Insecticides were previously used to kill the
specie. However, recent studies show that insecticides resistance has evolved in some mosquito populations. Likewise, using
insecticides is harmful not only for humans but also to the environment. In 2010, the Department of Science and Technology-
Industrial Technology Development Institute(DOST-ITDI) was able to introduce the Mosquito Ovicidal/Larvicidal Trap system,also
known as the OL trap. This trap system is made of natural ingredients that are lethal to mosquitos but safe for humans and the
environment.
5. Ejeepney
A major innovation that changed the transportation industry in the Philippines was the development of the jeepney. This iconic
public utility vehicle was built using the military jeeps left by the Americans after the World War II. The chassis and the body of the
military jeeps were extended to accommodate more load and passengers. Because of its usefulness, the jeepney dominated
Philippine streets and is considered as the primary mode of transportation of most Filipinos. However, the diesel powered jeepney
produce arge quantities of black smoke and is usually major contributor of nose pollution due to its primitive exhaust system. To
counter these disadvantages, the electric jeepney or ejeepney was developed. This modern type of transportation utilizes electricity
instead of the most expensive diesel. It is environment- friendly since it does not emit any smoke and noise.
Direction: answers for the Questions for reflection and for the Activity Standing on the Shoulder or the Giants will be
written on the assignment part that will be included on schoology. This will serve as the very first activity.
Questions for reflection
1. Give three major scientific and technological developments in the world or in the Philippines that created a large impact on your
daily life.
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2. What historical antecedents gave rise ti the inventions you mentioned in the first question?
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3. How did the developments in Science and Technology shape human history?
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Additional activity : Standing on the Shoulder of the Giants
Choose among the time periods ancient, middle and modern. Search for one great achievement during your chosen time
period. Make sure that the invention you will be mentioning is not included on the discussions on the previous module. Afterwards,
accomplish the following:
1. Draw or print a picture of your chosen achievement on a short bond paper.
2. Explain in your own words how each invention works. Also identify their use and purpose . You may write the required
information below your drawing.
3. Attach the file on the assignment part on schoology.
