A FACULTY member of the Mariano Marcos State University-College of Industrial Technology (MMSU-CIT) was one of the Filipino inventors honored with a Silver Award at the 49th International Exhibition of Inventions Competition in Geneva, Switzerland, on April 17 to 21.

Professor Zaldy Fernandez received his award from the Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions (GIEI), the largest yearly gathering dedicated solely to inventions on a global scale.

Crisdeniele Clemente of the MMSU Strategic Communication Office said GIEI was backed by the Swiss Federal Government, the State, the City of Geneva, the World Intellectual Property Organization, and the International Federation of Inventors Associations.

Clemente said Fernandez showcased the multi-fuel dryer, a 2022 National Invention Contest and Exhibits-winning device from MMSU.

He said the multi-fuel dryer is an innovative piece of equipment that offers a dual function of drying and baking for various products, making it a practical solution for micro, small and medium enterprises with diverse processing needs.

Expressing his heartfelt gratitude and reflecting on the significance of his achievement, Fernandez said, "Winning the silver medal at the esteemed 49th Geneva International Invention Contest serves as evidence that our sacrifices yielded fruitful outcomes."

MMSU President Shirley Agrupis commended 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, Fernandez also created machinery designed to enhance the livelihoods and efficiency of farmers and fishermen.

Clemente said Fernandez's innovations have consistently earned top honors at local, regional and national research symposiums.