DOST says RP not lacking in inventors

The Philippines does not lack inventors but many of them are not open to partnering with businessmen, hampering the success of their products, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) said.

DOST Assistant Secretary for technology transfer and research and development Ma. Lourdes Orijola said many Filipino inventions are not properly commercialized because they are not shared with investors.

"The problem is that we are less entrepreneurial. We are not as entrepreneurial as other (nationalities).  Sometimes, inventors should really be open to partnership," she said. Orijola also heads the DOST’s Technology Application and Promotion Institute (TAPI).

The DOST is observing the "2005 National Inventors Week" from Nov. 17 to 21 with an exhibit of 78 inventions at the Philippine Trade and Training Center in Pasay City.

With the theme "Inventors (Technopreneurs): Source of Export Competitive Products," the exhibit features energy-related innovations.

According to Petronilo Sta. Agueda, TAPI acting deputy director, the resistance of Filipino inventors to partnership is part of the "akin ito (this is mine)" mentality of some Filipinos.

"They are worried that their inventions would be copied if they share it with others. They like to be the ones commercializing their own products," he said.

Sta. Agueda said while the DOST provides assistance for putting viable inventions on the market, the agency’s budget is limited so inventors also need to partner with private businessmen to market their products.

The DOST cited the case of Filipino inventor Rolly dela Cruz who developed a method to remove warts, moles and other skin blemishes without surgery.