iInnovate interviews Bonifacio Comandante, Jr.
Bonifacio Comandante, Jr., President, Buhi Marine Worldwide Supply, Inc. 2004 to date. A marine biologist, agricultural engineer, economist, and entrepreneur, Boni Comandante conceptualized and developed fish hibernation and shellfish biotechnology, two inventions that have attracted worldwide attention for its innovation. As president of Buhi, he provides overall direction of this startup company, which uses pioneering technology on transporting live fishes in waterless conditions for freight. He is the applicant-owner of all related patents in fish hibernation and shellfish biotechnologies, and is the recipient of distinguished awards and recognitions.
AYALATBI: Key to integrating innovation in the culture of an organization is having a clear and shared definition of it. What is the definition of innovation in your organization?
BONIFACIO COMANDANTE, JR.: Innovation for Buhi (Visayan word for “live”) is an idea that is translated into monetary gains.
AYALATBI: How does your organization encourage innovation?
BC: Buhi technicians become co-inventors (in patent applications) for intellectual outputs contributed.
AYALATBI: What characterizes the Filipinos’ attitude towards innovation? Please answer in terms of what we should continue to practice and what we ought to revise.
BC: Every person has some inherent capability to innovate, which becomes apparent when the organizational environment is right. Acknowledging small things begets larger contributions that spell proprietary signatures.
AYALATBI: In a country of such limited resources as the Philippines, why does innovation become important when there are more risks that attend it?
BC: If research and development are done religiously, gains are always greater than losses.
AYALATBI: Please name a personal interest or endeavor that is not related to technology but feeds your aptitude for innovation.
BC: Striving for excellence, because we have a great God!
AYALATBI: What excites you, apart from technology?
BC: Helping others achieve their goals.