Alexis Belonio

Alexis T. Belonio (born January 1, 1960) is a professor, engineer, scientist, innovator and inventor from the Philippines. He was "the first Filipino to receive the Rolex Award for Enterprise" in 2008 for his invention of a low-cost and environment friendly rice husk stove. Belonio was included by the Rolex watchmaking company on its list of 10 model innovators in November 2008.

Life and career Belonio was born and raised in Muñoz, Nueva Ecija. He earned his bachelor's degree in agricultural engineering and Master of Science degree from Central Luzon State University. He was a researcher for the International Rice Research Institute before moving to Central Philippine University. and establishing a Center for Rice Husk Technology in Iloilo, Philippines, the first of its kind in the country. The actual formal recognition of Belonio by Rolex as the first Filipino Associate Laureate of the Rolex Award was held at The Manila Peninsula in the City of Makati on January 21, 2009.

Rice husk-powered gas stove

History Belonio started work relating to rice husks in 2003, at a time when there were high fuel prices. As an expert, he had already designed thirty devices such as paddy dryers and water pumps which can be used by low-income Filipino farmers. Belonio concentrated on innovating the rice husk oven even though the concept was not a new one, because there was already the so-called Lo Trao from Vietnam. The difference was that Belonio's invention does not produce smoke and has a stable fire without a tar-like residue. Belonio used good engineering and ample ventilation for his stove, which is characterized by a small fan that is powered either by grid electricity or batteries, producing a more efficient burn of the rice husks.

Belonio's first ovens cost $100 (or around ₱5,000