Eng. Mark Kennedy E. Bantugon

Illustrated by Franchezka Cardiño, 17, Multiple Intelligence International School

Eng. Mark Kennedy E. Bantugon, 25, is a licensed aeronautical engineer, inventor of Pili Seal®, a sustainable aviation sealant and adhesive derived from Pili Tree resin waste, and CEO and president of startup, Pili AdheSeal Inc. He is the first Filipino to receive the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) – National Inventor Award, the highest recognition given by the esteemed World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in Geneva, Switzerland. His work has been recognized both locally and globally, including being one of the Young Explorers 2023 – Human Ingenuity category of the National Geographic Society

Business Invention/Establishment

Pili Seal/Pili AdheSeal Inc.

Pili Seal, which is patented locally and globally, is a sustainable sealant + adhesive that reuses 155 million kilograms of annual agricultural waste (especially Pili Tree waste resin) as the core ingredient of the product formulation, while ensuring cost-effectiveness , safety, and non-toxic effects on the user’s health and environment (based on toxicity testing). Its use reduces carbon emissions by 40% compared to commercial ones, and its residues are convertible into safe fertilizer.

Why: During a typhoon season, the roof of our house would leak and my parents would encourage us to eat chewing gum and use it to patch the holes. As funny as it is, it is a reality for some families in the Philippines. This inspired me to focus on sealants, especially with the lack of options for effective and durable sealants and adhesives.

The son of a farmer, he exposed me to plants and trees, especially the Pili Tree. The Engineering and Science Education Program of DOST and DepEd opened doors for me.

Fulfilled part: Beyond awards, recognition, cash prizes or even validation, what is truly fulfilling is providing a tangible, feasible, sustainable and appropriate solution to a real-world problem.

Advice for young people who want to make a difference

1. Fall in love with the problem, not the solution.

2. Get out of your comfort zone.

3. Always allow yourself to dream because it is valid.

4. Remember this when you encounter setbacks: You are never denied, only redirected.

Your Imagined Philippines in 2050: We will have a more accessible, inclusive and sustainable future for generations to come. I hope to see the Philippines as a center of research, innovation and entrepreneurship, with thriving industries that promote sustainable practices and contribute to global progress. Our nation will be recognized not only for its remarkable resilience, but also for its leadership in shaping an equitable, inclusive and environmentally conscious world.

What can we do as a country

1. We should prioritize substantial investment in education, ensuring that all citizens have access to strong, high-quality, inclusive and equitable learning opportunities. This requires reforming the curriculum to include not only fundamental knowledge but also skills in innovation, critical thinking, entrepreneurship and environmental stewardship.

2. Government, the private sector and academic institutions must work collaboratively in a multi-sectoral framework to stimulate research and development, particularly in areas such as renewable energy, sustainable materials and technological advances.

3. We must promote inclusion and equity by addressing the social and economic disparities that exist today.