Technologies developed by researchers from the Institute of Chemistry (IC), UPLB were awarded in the 5th Invention Disclosure Awarding Ceremony held on February 5 at the Philippine Genome Center, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City.

Dr. Milagros Peralta, Ronaniel Almeda and Maris Asuncion Bayhon received the 2nd Phase Incentive Award for their invention entitled “Water Evaporation Retardants for Agricultural Applications (AquaSave)”, which they did with Prof. Vicente Ballaran Jr. and Dr. Moises Dorado. AquaSave is an eco-friendly and non-toxic water evaporation suppression agent that retards water evaporation by forming a monolayer barrier on standing water without compromising air exchange. This invention has applications in rice fields and water reservoirs.

Dr. Veronica Sabularse and Asst. Prof. Rhea Mallari were recognized also for securing a licensing agreement between UPLB and QPro Tech Philippines Inc. for their two inventions with Dr. Hidelisa Hernandez and John Kris Bartolome, namely “Fruitect” and “Pectin from Mango Peels”.

The Invention Disclosure Incentive (IDI) Award is the University of the Philippines’ means to help researchers bring their inventions out of the lab and into the marketplace. It is a monetary award given to inventors, researchers, faculty members, students, staff and visiting professors undertaking research pursuant to any program, project grant or contract under the auspices of the University of the Philippines. This award is given to encourage inventors to disclose their invention to the University, to promote a pervasive culture of research and innovation, ease up patent applications in the University, and to help UP innovators create the biggest possible impact with their R&D and expertise for the Filipino community and industry.