Filipino Engineer Turns Dangerous Coconut Sap Collection into Patented Automated Tech

Mechanical engineer Arniel "Maxi" Cunahap, whose father was a traditional 'mananguete,' has patented an automated, solar-powered machine called MAXI for coconut sap extraction, aiming to make one of Philippine agriculture's most dangerous jobs safer and more productive.

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For generations, collecting coconut sap has been a physically demanding and perilous task for Filipino 'mananguete,' requiring them to scale towering coconut trees multiple times a night. Mechanical engineer Arniel "Maxi" Cunahap, deeply familiar with these challenges through his father's experience, has transformed this arduous work into an innovative solution.

Last week, Cunahap's invention, MAXI, was granted a patent by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines. MAXI is a solar-powered device that automates the entire sap collection process, from cutting coconut flowers to harvesting sap every four hours. This eliminates the need for repeated nighttime climbs, significantly reducing workplace risks and labor demands for farmers, while also ensuring timely collection to prevent spoilage and maintain the sap's value.

Rather than an outright purchase, Cunahap's startup, Kasaka Agriventures, adopted an 'equipment-as-a-service' model. This approach allows cash-strapped farmers to benefit from the technology without upfront costs, paying only when they generate more income. Since its commercialization in late 2024, dozens of MAXI units have been deployed in Batangas, with expansion plans underway through strategic partnerships.

The development of MAXI was not an overnight success, progressing through eight prototypes before achieving its patented design. Support from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) played a crucial role in accelerating its development and moving it closer to wider commercialization. This initiative aligns with the DOST's commitment to modernizing Philippine agriculture, as evidenced by its PHP600 million investment in Project Smarter Approaches to Reinvigorate Agriculture as an Industry (SARAI) to promote smart farming technologies across the country.

Cunahap views the patent as more than just legal protection; it signifies that world-class agricultural innovation can emerge from the Philippines' most traditional sectors. For Filipino communities, entrepreneurs, and investors in the Philippines, New Zealand, and Australia, this invention represents a beacon of local ingenuity, demonstrating how technology can improve livelihoods, enhance productivity in vital industries, and foster economic growth.