By Crisdeniele Clemente

Prof. Zaldy Fernandez, a faculty member of the MMSU College of Industrial Technology (CIT), is one of the Filipino inventors honored with a prestigious Silver Award at the 49th International Exhibition of Inventions Competition in Geneva, Switzerland, on April 17-21.

The Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions is the largest yearly gathering dedicated solely to inventions on a global scale. It is backed by the Swiss Federal Government, the State, and the City of Geneva, as well as the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the International Federation of Inventors Associations (IFIA).

Prof. Fernandez showcased the Multi-Fuel Dryer, a 2022 NICE-winning device from Mariano Marcos State University. This innovative equipment offers a dual function of drying and baking for various products, making it a practical solution for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with diverse processing needs.

The CIT professor expressed his heartfelt gratitude and reflected on the significance of his achievement, stating, " Winning the silver medal at the esteemed 49th Geneva International Invention Contest serves as evidence that our sacrifices yielded fruitful outcomes." 
MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis commends the international awardee, emphasizing that this significant accomplishment is a testament to the university’s commitment to advancing useful and sustainable innovations.

A recipient of the Civil Service Commission Pagasa Award, Prof. Fernandez also created machinery designed to enhance the livelihoods and efficiency of farmers and fishermen. His innovations have consistently earned top honors in local, regional, and national research symposiums.