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It was the White House who invited Filipina scientist Aisa Mijeno to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit on Wed, Nov 18, the 31-year-old engineer revealed.
READ: APEC spotlight: Pinay who created lamp that runs on saltwater
“White House po ang nag-invite sa akin (It was the White House who invited me). I was surprised. Akala ko prank call ang na-receive ko nung Monday (I thought I was dealing with a prank call last Monday)!” Mijeno said.
According to Mijeno, she had to be escorted by the US Secret Service to be able to enter the venue of the forum, having no APEC ID.
“Pagdating sa venue, wala akong APEC ID kasi di naman ako delegate (When I got to the venue, I had no APEC ID because I was not a delegate). Sinundo po ako ng US Secret Service para mapakasok sa CEO Forum (Secret Service agents escorted me to the CEO Forum),” she shared.
Mijeno was hailed by US President Barack Obama during a light moment at the APEC CEO Summit for her invention, the SALt lamp, a lamp that runs on saltwater.
SALt stands for Sustainable Alternative Lightning.
Aside from Obama, Mijeno also shared the stage with Alibaba chairman Jack Ma.
“Jack Ma promised us that he will be getting in touch. He gave us his contact info if we need any help,” she said.
“Expectation ko po is somebody locally, we will get support… though the government is trying to reach us now,” she added.
In an interview on radio dzMM, Mijeno said they are now working on mass producing the SALt lamp, which they aim to sell for less than PHP1,000 per unit.
She said they are now completing requirements to receive a grant from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). They are also coordinating with non-government organizations for the distribution of the lamps in remote communities. (from a report by Alvin Elchico, ABS-CBN News)
This article has been re-published with permission from ABS-CBNnews.com.
