Inventor, Engineer and Tech Leader

As an inventor, Dr. Robert Y. So holds more than ten patents in water and wastewater related technologies, two of which have been honored as finalists in the Intellectual Property Awards of 2017, presented by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry. These technological innovations have blazed the trail in water and wastewater treatment practices in the Philippines, specifically in the domains of uninterrupted drinking water production, and wastewater recycling and reuse for non-potable applications.

In terms of technological leadership, Dr. So introduced Ultraviolet Treatment in the Philippines in 1989, advanced Sewage recycling and reuse in 2002 (using his patented technology), and uninterrupted (relative to turbidity) drinking water production in 2017. Dr. So is a member of the Philippine Inventors’ Society since 2013.

Dr. So is a polymath, with achievements in technology development and applied science, engineering and design, entrepreneurship, and environmental advocacy and philanthropy.

1997
2009
2017
2018
1989

1997

First underground treatment plant

2009

First MBR in the Philippines (technology engineering integration work)

2017

Finalist twice over for IP Awards

2018

DOST validation of 2 technologies

1989

Dr. Robert So pioneered Ultraviolet and Ozone disinfection technology and designed the first water filling station in the Philippines.

As a designer and engineer of sewage and wastewater treatment plants, Dr. So introduced and popularized architecturally blended sewage treatment facilities, via the ability to safely construct and operate these underground due to the absence of hydrogen sulfide gas emissions since 1997. Dr. So is also first to design and integrate Membrane Bio Reactor technology in 2009. Both are signature projects for world-class organizations and facilities

Abridged of Patented Intellectual Properties

  • Industrial Design – Aerating Device
    No. 3-2011-000178
  • Utility Model – Aerating Device
    No. 2-2011-000093
  • Invention – Method and Apparatus for Decanting Fluid
    No. 1-2004-0058
  • Invention – Apparatus for Decanting Liquid
    No. 1-2005-000177

  • Utility Model – Sludge Dewatering Filter
    No. 2-2014-000765
  • Utility Model – Septage Treatment Plant
    No. 2-2006-000347
  • Method and System for Treatment of Wastewater
    No. 1-2013-00259
  • Method and System for Conveying Contaminated Water
    No. 1-2012-000295
  • Method and System of Treatment of Contaminated Water
    No. 1-2012-000238