In a world increasingly grappling with environmental challenges, one MS Materials Science and Engineering by Research student from Mapúa University’s Graduate Studies has revolutionized how industries can commit to upholding sustainability across their operations with his groundbreaking invention, Pili Seal.
Derived from agricultural waste, particularly the Pili Tree Waste Resin or spent resin, Pili Seal is Engr. Mark Kennedy Bantugon’s award-winning product with a versatile, dual-purpose function as a sealant and adhesive. Effectively sealing gaps, holes, joints, or seams that prevent leakages and passage of air, water, dust, or other substances, Pili Seal simultaneously bonds materials together by creating a strong and durable connection.
Superior in performance, this innovative and sustainable formulation further stands out as it ensures the safety of its users’ health and the environment by its safe and non-toxic properties. Its cost-effectiveness is also attractive for a diverse range of industries, making it an ideal and beneficial supply for sectors like aviation, construction and building, defense, automotive, woodworking, and furniture, among others.
But for an excellent product to be built into existence, a question lingers: does pure genius suffice, or must empowerment be integral throughout one’s journey to birth such a creation?
FROM PAIN POINT TO BREAKTHROUGH
Engr. Bantugon’s success story stems from a formative childhood memory—of how he and his siblings were forced by their parents to chew gum and use it to patch the leaky roof holes of their home in a remote Batangas Province area every typhoon season. For him, this personal pain point taught him the value of ingenuity at a young age. It was this scenario that inspired him, as an 11-year-old high school student, to create his first invention—a sustainable roof sealant made from an Antipolo tree sap, which he named Antipolo Sealant.
His mother a teacher and father a farmer, Engr. Bantugon was provided quality education through the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) curriculum under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Department of Education (DepEd), which formally introduced him to research and innovation. This exposure, he said, had “captured his heart, passion, and interest,” and where he was also able to “discover the little scientist within him.”
As a farmer’s son, he also encountered and gained familiarity with different plants, animals, trees, and waste materials, which he considers his training ground as a child. Curious and clever, it was through this that allowed him to comprehend the challenges and opportunities in agriculture, including how providing sticky properties in tree saps were essential for a sealing formulation.
However, for the young pioneer-in-the-making, these early experiences proved to be only the beginning of an extraordinary journey towards a revolutionary discovery.
MAPÚA, A MAKER OF BUILDERS
Beyond the richness of his personal background in innovation, a higher education institution inside the walls of Intramuros propelled the DOST-ERDT scholar to open doors of academic and research opportunities, allowing him to explore the potential of Pili Seal through further research and development.
With access to a multitude of advanced resources and networks from a University recognized for its three consecutive appearances in THE rankings—such as state-of-the-art laboratories and suitable study spaces for the countless hours of labor and learning needed, as well as its linkages with global partners to drive the development of his innovation—Pili Seal eventually became the award-winning and globally recognized invention it is today.
“Mapúa’s curriculum, with its strong emphasis on science, technology, and engineering, has played a pivotal role in nurturing my passion for innovation, specifically sustainable innovation. Mapúa has been instrumental in shaping my journey as a young Filipino inventor, materials scientist, and engineer.” said the Mapúan innovator.
For instance, faculty Dr. Jeremiah Millare, Dr. Jonathan Salvacion, Dr. Alvin Caparanga, Dr. Persia Ada de Yro, among other esteemed faculty members and Mapúa administration like former Mapúa president Dr. Reynaldo B. Vea and International Linkages, Relations, and Development Cooperation Director Dr. Delia Senoro, have been credited to have honed his technical expertise and entrepreneurial mindset.
On top of Mapúa’s globally known strength in championing innovation, especially in its graduate programs, Engr. Bantugon found a fertile ground where his passion could be vigorously fueled by industry mentors, classmates, and role models.
Surrounded by equally nurtured learners, Engr. Bantugon also found competent business partners within the classroom. Even Mapúan visionaries like Engr. Dado Banatao, the inventor of the first Windows Graphics accelerator chip for personal computers, played a role, as he was said to have reinforced Engr. Bantugon’s drive to create sustainable solutions that address real-world challenges.
Clearly, the making of any remarkable inventor requires a village—to which Mapúa, as a supportive community, fostered.
A MARK IN THE WORLD—THE MAPÚAN WAY
Now a successful president and CEO of his own company, Engr. Bantugon’s optimistic view of the premier engineering and technological school remains the same, if not more profound: “The unwavering support from my professors, advisors, and the Mapúa administration has not only fueled my passion for research but has also empowered me to push the boundaries of innovation. Through my graduate studies, I discovered the transformative and potential of sustainable materials, leading to the development of Pili Seal—and the upcoming Pili Grease, a sustainable grease lubricant derived from agricultural waste materials.”
The University’s support has had a clear impact on the young innovator, as evidenced by his gratitude—noting its “steadfast commitment to fostering excellence by providing invaluable assistance every step of the way” whether he was participating in local international innovation and startup competitions as a Mapúa representative.
“Beyond technical skills, Mapúa has cultivated in me the confidence to engage with a global audience, represent the University on international platforms, and advocate for environmental sustainability and circular economy. This transformative experience has allowed me to Go, Glow, and Grow—not only as an innovator but as a catalyst for meaningful change. Looking back, I realized that my time at Mapúa was not just an academic pursuit but a launchpad for impactful innovation and a commitment to making a positive difference.” Engr. Bantugon proudly affirmed.
Indeed, Mapúan-made innovations like Pili Seal are proof that game-changing solutions can be introduced to the world when passion is met with opportunity and holistic support. Such an extraordinary story as Engr. Bantugon’s exemplifies how the right educational environment can unlock a student’s potential to build and be built for the world.
To learn more about how you can be the next great Mapúan innovator, explore Mapúa’s graduate programs here.
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