Cover Engr Mark Bantugon
Engr Mark Bantugon
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For our Eco-Warriors series, Engr Mark Bantugon—inventor, aeronautical engineer, and material scientist—discusses his James Dyson award-winning invention Pili Seal
Born into a family of farmers, Bantugon combined his agricultural roots with his inventive flair. In 2021, this young engineer was recognised by the prestigious James Dyson Awards committee for developing a sustainable, two-component sealant during his internship at an aviation company.
Dubbed Pili Seal, the sealant is made from the waste material of the pili tree resin, otherwise known as “spent resin” or “de-oiled resin”. This waste is the base material for aircraft integral fuel tank sealant production. By mixing this base with a hardener material, the resulting product is a sealant that can be used for parts of an aircraft, such as the integral fuel tank and components subjected to contact with aircraft fuel, lubricants, oil, water and weathering.
Above Engr Mark Bantugon
Engr Mark Bantugon
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One of his most significant motivations for this project is his father. “As a farmer, he exposed me to various plants, animals, trees and waste materials,” Bantugon tells Tatler. “Being the son of a farmer also never stopped me from dreaming and pursuing a passion that can make a difference and change lives. I always remind myself that all my dreams are valid. This invention started as a dream which has now become a reality all because of perseverance, passion, action and heart.”
On April 11, 2023, Bantugon broke the record for the fastest patent application approval by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines. His patent was granted 18 months after filing, a remarkable milestone as the average time is 48 months or more.
The engineer owes his invention to his childhood spent with his family on the farm. “Unlike most people I know who spent most of their life on busy streets, I grew up with dirt on my hands. I enjoyed my childhood years, basking in the sunlight on a farm, tilling the fields and immersing myself in nature,” he reminisces.
As of this writing, Bantugon’s invention has already achieved several breakthroughs. Just recently, Pili Seal garnered support from American angel investors, who actively support its entry into the aviation market. “Right now, we are currently engaged in securing approval and certification from key aviation regulatory authorities such as Airbus, Boeing, FAA and EASA,” says Bantugon.
Above Engr Mark Bantugon
Engr Mark Bantugon
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Pili Seal was also awarded from Singapore’s OCBC Global Sustainability Innovation Challenge. This global recognition comes with a substantial cash prize of SG$150,000, which is a grant award to propel further product development and capitalise on its commercial potential.
The future remains bright for Bantugon and his Pili Seal innovation. The young inventor envisions that his sustainable creation will spearhead the local manufacturing company of aviation sealants within the Philippines.
As he reaps the rewards of Pili Seal, Bantugon is already busy brewing a new product, which he 122 calls Pili Grease.
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Credits
Photography: Patrick Diokno
Content Direction: Anton San Diego
Styling: Kring Mallari
Hair: Nizel Reduta
Make-Up: Nizel Reduta
Grooming: Johnson Estrella
Set Design: Jagger Studios
Production: (Logistics) Dorynna Untivero and James Mayo
Production: (Assistants) Michelle Soriano and Johannah Reglos
Location: Bulb Studios
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Jove holds a degree in Journalism and is currently pursuing graduate studies in Philosophy at the University of the Philippines–Diliman. She has flair for in-depth, interview-driven stories that explore politics and culture, shaped by her background in national broadsheets.
When she’s not on assignment, Jove spends her days painting, sipping lemonade, and walking her dog, Jupiter. She can often be seen in Escolta with a film camera in hand, browsing novelty shops in search of rare memorabilia. For leads, reach her at Jove@tatlerphilippines.com.
