STS- SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY

Submitted by: Mary Rose T. Toralba (BABA 3-A)

Title: Filipino Inventions and Discoveries and Its Impact to Philippine Economy
Invention/Discovery No. 1
Invention/Discovery Inventor

Name of Invention Quink Ink

Name of Inventor Francisco Quisumbing
Year of Invention 1931
Historical Background/Literature about the The invention of Quink Ink is credited to
Invention Francisco Quisumbing, a Filipino chemist
who made a big mark in the world of
innovation. He developed Quink Ink in 1931
while working for the Hercules Powder
Company, a chemical company in the United
States. His goal was to create a fast-drying ink
that wouldn’t smudge, which was a common
problem with other inks at the time. This was
a big deal because Quisumbing’s ink solved
the issue of ink smudging, making it a major
improvement over what people were using
before.

What made Quink Ink special was its

unique formula, which mixed water with
other ingredients that helped it dry faster and
resist smudging. It was designed to work
perfectly with fountain pens, which were
widely used back then. This made writing
 smoother and quicker, and people loved it.
Quink Ink became very popular not just in the
United States but also around the world,
especially with students, professionals, and
writers. It became a significant part of the ink
industry and helped improve the writing
experience.

Although Quisumbing’s Quink Ink is well-

known today, he didn’t receive as much
recognition during his lifetime as he should
have. It wasn’t until later that people started
acknowledging his work as a major
contribution to the global chemical and
industrial fields. Quisumbing’s invention
shows how Filipino talent can make an impact
on the world, and his success continues to
inspire future generations of scientists and
inventors in the Philippines and globally.
Contribution(s) for the country’s development Francisco Quisumbing’s invention of
Quink Ink has made a big impact on the
Philippines’ development by showing how
Filipino creativity can make a mark in the
global scientific and industrial world.
Although Quisumbing developed the ink
while working in the United States, his
invention put the spotlight on Filipino
scientists and inventors. Quink Ink became a
widely used product in the ink industry
around the world, and its success helped
highlight the Philippines as a country capable
of creating useful, innovative products for the
international market. The fact that a Filipino
scientist created such a well-known product is
something the country can be proud of, and it
emphasizes the importance of investing in
science and technology education in the
Philippines.

Quisumbing’s invention also serves as

inspiration for future Filipino scientists,
engineers, and innovators. His work proves
that Filipinos can make a difference in areas
like chemistry, manufacturing, and industrial
development. The impact of Quink Ink shows
that even though the Philippines is a small
 and developing country, it can still come up
with innovations that have a lasting effect on
the world. This success story can motivate
more Filipinos to pursue careers in science
and technology, helping the country progress
by advancing these industries. Quisumbing’s
achievements, although not fully recognized
during his lifetime, now remind us how
important it is to support and nurture local
talent to contribute to both national growth
and global advancement.

Invention/Discovery No. 2

Invention/Discovery Inventor

Name of Invention Sing-along system

Name of Inventor Roberto del Rosario

Year of Invention 1975

Historical Background/Literature about the The Sing Along System, or what we

Invention commonly know as the Karaoke System, was
invented by Filipino entrepreneur Roberto del
Rosario in 1975. His invention changed the
way people enjoy singing and music at social
gatherings. Del Rosario came up with the idea
of creating a machine that would let people
sing along to recorded music, just like
professional singers do on stage. He wanted
to create something fun and interactive where
 people could enjoy singing, even if they
weren’t professional singers. His goal was to
combine music and technology to give
everyone a chance to experience singing, no
matter their skill level.

The Sing Along System became a massive

hit and spread quickly across the Philippines.
It became popular because it was easy to use,
affordable, and perfect for both home use and
public places. People could sing their favorite
songs with instrumental tracks, and the
system included songs in various languages,
like Filipino and English. It became a favorite
at family get-togethers, parties, and even bars,
setting the stage for the karaoke culture we
know today, which is enjoyed all over the
world.

While karaoke is often connected to Japan,

Del Rosario’s Sing Along System was a key
part of the global rise of karaoke, especially in
making the technology more accessible to
people everywhere. His invention led to the
production of karaoke machines in bulk,
creating a worldwide entertainment industry
centered around karaoke bars, machines, and
music. Roberto del Rosario’s creation of the
Sing Along System had a huge influence on
Filipino culture and left a lasting mark on the
global entertainment industry, helping the
Philippines become an important player in the
world’s music scene.

Contribution(s) for the country’s development Roberto del Rosario’s invention of the
Sing Along System has greatly contributed to
the development of the Philippines by
boosting the country’s presence in the global
entertainment and music industries. The
creation of karaoke helped the Philippines
gain international recognition for its
innovative technology, especially in the fields
of music and entertainment. Karaoke quickly
became a popular form of entertainment, not
just in the Philippines, but around the world.
 This invention opened new doors for the
entertainment sector, creating jobs and
encouraging tourism, particularly with the rise
of karaoke bars that became popular both
locally and abroad. As a result, the Philippines
became known as a place full of fun, music,
and social activities, contributing to the
country’s economy.

Moreover, the Sing Along System helped

to highlight a key aspect of Filipino culture:
the love for singing. Karaoke made it easier
for people to show off their musical talents,
whether at home or during parties. This
invention brought people together, creating a
sense of unity and enjoyment through music.
It also played a big role in the growth of the
local entertainment industry, sparking the rise
of karaoke contests, talent shows, and music
production. The widespread popularity of
karaoke also helped Filipino artists gain
recognition both locally and internationally
for their talents. Roberto del Rosario’s
creation not only gave birth to a new
entertainment trend but also helped the
Philippines’ cultural and economic sectors
grow.

Invention/Discovery No. 3

Invention/Discovery Inventor
Name of Invention Modular Housing System

Name of Inventor Edgardo Vasquez

Year of Invention 1989

Historical Background/Literature about the The Modular Housing System created by

Invention Edgardo Vázquez, a Filipino architect and
inventor, changed the way affordable housing
was built in the Philippines. In the late 1900s,
the country was facing a growing housing
crisis, especially in cities, where the demand
for safe and affordable homes was much
higher than the available supply. Vázquez saw
this problem and came up with a solution by
developing a modular housing system aimed
at providing affordable homes for low- and
middle-income families. His system not only
made housing more affordable but also
tackled the issues of rapid urban growth and
the lack of essential services in many areas.

Vázquez’s modular housing system

worked by using pre-made materials and
modules that could be easily put together.
This method made building homes faster and
cheaper compared to traditional construction.
The best part was that these homes could be
expanded over time, allowing families to start
with a small unit and gradually make their
homes bigger as they needed or as they could
afford it. The system was flexible, which
meant it could be adapted to fit different
 family sizes and living needs, offering a
variety of layouts and designs.

Edgardo Vázquez's invention made a huge

difference in the housing industry in the
Philippines. It helped address the housing
shortage in cities, allowing thousands of
affordable homes to be built in a much shorter
time. This system also improved the lives of
many Filipino families by providing safe,
durable, and affordable homes. On top of that,
the modular housing system promoted
sustainability by using energy-efficient
materials and being eco-friendly. Vázquez's
work has inspired many others in the housing
sector, and his legacy continues to shape
modern housing projects, both in the
Philippines and around the world.

Contribution(s) for the country’s development Edgardo Vázquez’s modular housing

system has greatly helped the Philippines,
especially in solving the country’s ongoing
housing problems. His system offered a
practical way to provide affordable homes
and reduce the gap between the demand and
supply of housing. As more people moved to
urban areas and affordable housing became
scarce, Vázquez’s system became a game-
changer. By using pre-fabricated materials
and an assembly approach, homes could be
built much faster and at a lower cost than
traditional methods. This made it easier for
low- and middle-income families in the
Philippines to access better homes, improving
their living conditions and overall quality of
life.

Besides addressing the housing crisis,

Vázquez’s modular housing system also
promoted sustainable development in the
country. The flexibility of the system allowed
families to expand or modify their homes as
needed, making it more affordable over the
long term. The modular components were
 also designed with energy-efficient and
environmentally friendly materials, which
supported the Philippines’ push for more
sustainable infrastructure. Vázquez’s work not
only helped solve the housing shortage but
also encouraged more efficient and eco-
friendly building practices in the construction
industry. His invention continues to influence
affordable housing projects in the Philippines
and around the world.

Invention/Discovery No. 4

Invention/Discovery Inventor

Name of Invention Anticancer Cream

Name of Inventor Dr. Rolando C. Dela Cruz

Year of Invention 2005

Historical Background/Literature about the Dr. Rolando dela Cruz, a Filipino doctor
Invention and researcher, is famous for his amazing
work in creating an anticancer cream from
the rosy periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus), a
plant that is native to the Philippines. This
plant has been used in Filipino folk medicine
for many years because of its healing
qualities. But it was Dr. Dela Cruz who took
it a step further and scientifically explored
how the plant could help fight cancer. His
research led to the creation of an innovative
cream that could treat skin cancers, like basal
cell carcinoma, and other skin-related
cancers. It’s really inspiring how he took
something that had been used traditionally
and turned it into something that could help
save lives.

The idea for the anticancer cream started

with Dr. Dela Cruz wanting to find an
alternative cancer treatment, especially for
people who couldn’t afford expensive
treatments like chemotherapy. He focused on
the rosy periwinkle, which contains alkaloids
like vincristine and vinblastine, known for
their cancer-fighting properties. These
compounds are used in chemotherapy, but Dr.
Dela Cruz figured out how to turn them into a
topical cream that could be applied directly to
the skin. This made the treatment easier to
use, with fewer side effects than traditional
chemotherapy. It also became a more
affordable option, which is really important
in the Philippines, where many people don’t
have easy access to expensive medical
treatments.

Dr. Dela Cruz’s invention is a huge deal

for cancer treatment, not only in the
Philippines but also around the world. His
cream offers a more affordable and accessible
option for treating skin cancer, especially in
developing countries where healthcare
resources are limited. His success also shows
that there is a lot of potential in using local,
natural resources to fight cancer. Dr. Dela
Cruz continues to inspire young Filipino
scientists and researchers by showing that
traditional knowledge and local resources can
lead to groundbreaking discoveries. His work
also highlights how important it is to explore
natural solutions that can improve healthcare
 in communities that need them the most.

Contribution(s) for the country’s development Dr. Rolando Dela Cruz’s creation of the
anticancer cream has made a huge impact on
the development of the Philippines by
showing how local resources can be used to
solve major healthcare problems. The cream,
which comes from the rosy periwinkle plant
native to the Philippines, is a great example
of how traditional knowledge and modern
science can work together to make something
affordable and effective. By using a plant
that’s easily found in the country, Dr. Dela
Cruz not only highlighted the Philippines’
rich natural resources but also helped put the
country on the map for innovative healthcare
solutions. His work has opened the door for
more research and development in the
Philippines, showing that the country can
play a role in fighting diseases like cancer on
a global scale.

On top of that, Dr. Dela Cruz’s anticancer

cream has made cancer treatment more
accessible to Filipinos. Many people in the
Philippines can’t afford expensive treatments
like chemotherapy, and Dr. Dela Cruz’s
cream provides a much more affordable
alternative. This makes treatment for skin
cancer easier to get, especially in rural areas
where healthcare resources are limited. His
invention helps lessen the financial strain on
cancer patients, making it possible for more
people to get the care they need. The success
of the cream could also lead to more
investments in healthcare research and
development in the country, which could
improve the healthcare system and lead to
even more solutions to help people in need.

Invention/Discovery No. 5

Invention/Discovery Inventor
Name of Invention Moon Buggy or The Lunar Roving Vehicle

Name of Inventor Eduardo San Juan

Year of Invention 1968

Historical Background/Literature about the The Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV), also
Invention known as the "moon buggy," was a game-
changing invention that made it possible for
astronauts to explore the Moon more easily.
While many people associate the LRV's
design with NASA and General Motors
(GM), there’s also an important Filipino
connection to this achievement. Eduardo San
Juan, a Filipino engineer, played a huge part
in creating the LRV. San Juan was an
aerospace engineer who worked on the lunar
vehicle program at NASA, and he is often
credited as the Filipino inventor of the moon
buggy. His work on the vehicle's mechanical
and engineering design was crucial to making
it possible for astronauts to travel on the
Moon's surface. The development of the LRV
began in the late 1960s and early 1970s, as
NASA looked for ways to improve lunar
exploration. This work led to the LRV’s use in
the 1971 Apollo 15 mission, marking a
significant milestone in space exploration.

Astronauts faced many challenges during

the early Moon landings, especially when it
came to exploring the surface. During the
Apollo 11, 12, and 14 missions, astronauts
were able to land on the Moon, but they were
 limited in how far they could travel because
walking long distances in the Moon’s low
gravity was physically exhausting. Plus,
carrying all the heavy scientific equipment
made things even harder. To solve this
problem, NASA decided they needed to create
a vehicle that would help astronauts travel
farther and carry more tools and samples.
That’s when the idea for the Lunar Roving
Vehicle (LRV) was born. The LRV was
designed to be lightweight, foldable, and
electric, capable of handling the Moon’s
rough and dusty terrain. Filipino engineer
Eduardo San Juan, who was part of the team
at NASA’s Langley Research Center, played a
big role in designing the suspension system
and frame of the LRV.

The LRV was introduced in 1971 and first

used on the Apollo 15 mission. This was a
major moment because it was the first time
astronauts could actually drive on the Moon!
Astronauts David Scott and James Irwin
drove the LRV for about 17 miles, which
allowed them to explore a much larger area
than they could have on foot. San Juan’s
design helped make the LRV work in the
Moon’s extreme conditions, including its low
gravity and lack of atmosphere. The vehicle’s
large wire-mesh wheels helped it move over
the rocky surface, and it could be folded up to
fit in the Lunar Module. The LRV’s success
played an important part in the Apollo
missions, even though San Juan’s
contributions weren’t fully recognized at the
time. Today, his role in creating the moon
buggy is something the Philippines can be
proud of, and he is now celebrated as a key
figure in space exploration. The LRV
continued to be used in the Apollo 16 and 17
missions, making its mark on history before
the Apollo program ended in 1972.
Contribution(s) for the country’s development The invention of the Lunar Roving Vehicle
(LRV) and the contribution of Filipino
engineer Eduardo San Juan has become a
major point of pride for the Philippines. Even
though the country didn’t have its own space
program back then, San Juan’s involvement in
creating the moon buggy shows just how
much potential Filipino talent has in the world
of science and technology. His work on the
LRV proves that Filipino engineers and
inventors are capable of making a real
difference in global technological
advancements. This has inspired many young
Filipinos to pursue careers in fields like
science, technology, and engineering. San
Juan’s contribution also highlights the
importance of investing in education and
research in the Philippines, as it shows that
local talent can make big contributions to
world history. It reminds Filipinos that they
too can be part of groundbreaking
achievements, which strengthens the sense of
pride and national identity.

Additionally, the story of the moon buggy

and San Juan’s role in its creation has sparked
more interest in STEM (Science, Technology,
Engineering, and Mathematics) education in
the Philippines. In recent years, the country
has been working on improving its
educational system and research facilities to
encourage more students to study subjects
related to space, robotics, and advanced
technologies. The success of the LRV and the
fact that it was linked to a Filipino inventor
has motivated the government to invest in its
own space programs. This has led to the
Philippines making progress in launching its
own satellites and building partnerships with
space organizations around the world. The
moon buggy and Eduardo San Juan’s
contributions have had a lasting effect on the
Philippines, inspiring the country to focus
more on science and technology, which could
lead to even more advances in the future.