BONIFACIO BONI COMANDANTE JR.

Buhi Technology/Sleeping Fish Technology

Brief background:
born in Siquijor
holds a degree in Agricultural Engineering from the University of
the Philippines, Los Baos and a master's degree in Marine Biology
from Silliman University

Invention:
Buhi Technology

This technology involves exposing the fish to a buhi blend or

solution. The buhi blend is an anti-stress solution which causes the
fish to sleep/hibernate. After the water is removed, the fish can be
safely placed in a cool container or plastic bag. The sleeping fish is
still alive because its gills are still moving as it lies still. The effect,
Comandante said, lasts for up to 24 hours. The fish is revived
simply by putting it back in water.

The solution is non-toxic. To prove it, he drank the solution while

presenting his findings to the DTI.

Buhi technology reduces the cost of transporting live fish since it

eliminates the need for water/ice. It reduces freight cost and
guarantees the freshness of the marine products to consumers.

Application for patent:

Businessmen in Negros and Manila helped him in his business
known as the Buhi Marine Worldwide Supply Inc. Afterwards,
Australian fish transporters heard about the invention, and
shouldered the cost (at least US$200,000.) of an international
patent through a joint venture, Buhi International Group (BIG).
The technology has been given a global patent and is owned by BIG,
a company owned by a majority of Filipino shareholders including
Comandante.