The Philippines has a rich history of innovation and creativity, with many individuals making significant contributions that have left a lasting impact on both the local and global stage. Here are seven Filipino historical innovators whose work continues to inspire and influence.

1. Jose Rizal

José Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines, was a polymath who excelled in multiple fields including medicine, literature, and philosophy. His novels, “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo,” ignited the Philippine revolution against Spanish colonization, showcasing his profound influence on the country’s fight for independence.

2. Fe del Mundo

Dr. Fe del Mundo was a pioneering pediatrician who made significant advancements in child healthcare in the Philippines. She was the first woman admitted to Harvard Medical School and established the first pediatric hospital in the country, which has saved countless children’s lives.

3. Gregorio Zara

Gregorio Zara was an engineer and physicist known for his numerous inventions, including the two-way videophone, which he developed in 1955. His contributions to the field of aeronautics and telecommunications have had a profound impact on technological advancements in the Philippines.

4. Encarnacion Alzona

Encarnacion Alzona was a pioneering historian and the first Filipina to earn a doctoral degree. Her extensive research and writings on Philippine history, particularly on the role of women, have been instrumental in shaping the understanding of the country’s past and advocating for women’s rights.

5. Maria Y. Orosa

Maria Y. Orosa was a food technologist and war heroine who introduced numerous food preservation techniques and invented products like the banana ketchup. Her work in food technology significantly improved nutrition in the Philippines and contributed to the war effort during World War II by developing emergency food supplies.