An internationally recognized local invention from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), was granted patent by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) for its effective wastewater treatment that may contribute in the prevention of environmental pollution in the country.

The DOST – Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) recently secured a Letters Patent Invention No. 1/2022/050420 for its “Equipment System and Process for Treating Wastewater from Wet-Type Finishing Spray Booths”, granted by the IPOPHL. 

The patent gives the Institute the exclusive right to prevent any unauthorized person or entity from making, using, offering for sale, selling, or importing the patented equipment, as well as any product derived directly or indirectly from its process. 

DOST-FPRDI’s technology treats wastewater from finishing spray booths (FSBs) used by furniture and handicraft makers, which often contains toxic substances such as aromatics, benzene derivatives, alcohols, siloxanes, and organic acids. The system addresses the harmful practice of discharging untreated wastewater into drains or nearby bodies of water, which contributes to environmental pollution.

Just last year, the technology was recognized as the Best International Invention and Innovation by the National Research Council of Thailand during the Seoul International Invention Fair in Seoul, South Korea.

“This wastewater treatment equipment exemplifies how science and technology can help address environmental and industrial challenges at the same time. This move ensures that innovation like this is not only protected but is effectively integrated into local industries,” said DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr.

The development of this technology was funded in May 2020 through the DOST Collaborative Research and Development to Leverage Philippine Economy (CRADLE) Program.  The industry partner of DOST FPRDI in developing the technology is RSU Manufacturing Corporation, a Pampanga-based furniture and handicraft company.

Highlighting the importance of safeguarding and transferring technologies, DOST-FPRDI Director Rico J. Cabangon said, “At our Institute, we strive to ensure that our technologies reach those who need them. Securing a patent is a critical part of that goal. It protects innovation, assures manufacturers, and improves the chances of successful adoption. With this legal protection in place, we can support industries in meeting regulatory requirements and improving their operations.”

Wastewater equipment for Wet-type FSBs spray installed at RSU Manufacturing Corporation

Technology inventors include Engr. Edward Paul S. Marasigan, Aralyn Quintos-Cortiguerra, Benjo S. Salvatierra, Jeremiah Vi R. Dumalaon, Jason P. Esguerra and Liza B. Patacsil.

DOST-FPRDI is committed to filing more patent applications for its developed technologies, strengthening its mission to transfer appropriate technologies that make local industries more competitive in both domestic and global markets, while also benefiting the general public. (By Angelique B. Evangelista and Apple Jean C. Martin-de Leon, DOST-FPRDI)