Traditional aviation sealants typically rely on polysulfide-based compounds, which are chemical substances notorious for their environmental toxicity and health risks. These sealants prevent fuel leaks in aircraft fuel tanks, but their ecological footprint and potential hazard necessitate a safer, greener alternative.

Developed over two years, PiliSeal is a bio-based, eco-friendly sealant that not only matches but arguably surpasses conventional products in performance. Rigorous testing has demonstrated its ability to withstand exposure to fuel, extreme heat and pressure, making it a viable sealant not only in aviation but in other sectors like construction, space and even the military.

This innovation arrives at a moment when the global market for green chemicals is rapidly expanding, driven by demand for safer, cleaner alternatives. PiliSeal fits perfectly into this shift, offering a tangible way to reduce the environmental footprint of aviation and possibly many other industries.

But behind this invention is a journey that is as remarkable.

Growing up in a modest bungalow in Mabini, Batangas, PiliSeal inventor engineer Mark Kennedy Bantugon experienced storms in a way that most kids would never forget, not because of the thunder or rain, but because of a simple family ritual.

Whenever the roof leaked during heavy rains, his parents would have the children chew gum and use it as a quick patch to plug the holes. This inventive, low-cost solution was born out of necessity, reflecting the resourcefulness of a family with limited means but abundant creativity.

That childhood memory stayed with Bantugon, shaping his fascination with materials that seal and protect. It’s a story he often shares to explain how a small act of ingenuity at home inspired him to develop his first sealant back in high school. What began as a school project eventually became a serious pursuit — his undergraduate thesis — and now an innovation that’s gaining attention from international investors and sustainability experts worldwide.

Born to a farmer and a teacher, Bantugon has emerged among the most sought after Filipino inventors globally. Today, he is part of the European Patent Office’s (EPO) “Tomorrow Shapers,” an elite group of 10 visionary innovators driving sustainability with their intellectual property (IP).

They were selected from 450 nominees and he made it as the only one coming from Asia.

Recipients of the special prize could have a chance to bring home an additional €15,000 which could help tp commercialize their inventions and expand operations. But more than the trophy and the cash prize that could scale up the invention is the recognition that Filipino ingenuity should be celebrated on the world stage.

I call on the public not just to admire the likes of Bantugon, but to act by a simple vote. If you believe innovation should serve both people and the planet, this is your moment to back PiliSeal, honor this remarkable Filipino breakthrough, and push it further into the spotlight where it belongs.