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Gregorio Zara - Filipino Scientist

Filipino Scientist, Gregorio Zara invented the Videophone.

Gregorio Zara
Gregorio Zara


Filipino scientist Gregorio Y. Zara (D.Sc. Physics) invented, made improvements to, or discovered the following:

  • invented the two-way television telephone or videophone (1955) patented as a "photo phone signal separator network"
  • discovered the physical law of electrical kinetic resistance called the Zara effect (around 1930)
  • invented an airplane engine that ran on plain alcohol as fuel (1952)
  • improved methods of producing solar energy including creating new designs for a solar water heater (SolarSorber), a sun stove, and a solar battery (1960s)
  • invented a propeller-cutting machine (1952)
  • designed a microscope with a collapsible stage
  • helped design the robot Marex X-10
Gregorio Zara's list of accomplishments also includes the following awards:

  • Presidential Diploma of Merit
  • Distinguished Service Medal (1959) for his pioneering works and achievements in solar energy research, aeronautics and television.
  • Presidential Gold Medal and Diploma of Honor for Science and Research (1966)
  • Cultural Heritage Award for Science Education and Aero Engineering (1966)
  • Gregorio Zara born in Lipa City, Batangas, is one of the best known scientist from the Philippines. In 1926, Gregorio Zara graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. In 1927, he received his Masters degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Michigan. In 1930, he graduated with a Doctorate of Physics from Sorbonne University. On September 30, 1954 Gregorio Zara's alcohol-fueled airplane engine was successfully tested and flown at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

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