Early life and education:
- Buenaventura S Medina Jr. was born on February 14, 1937 in Manila, Philippines.
- He pursued his education at the University of Santo Tomas, where he studied engineering and obtained a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Career and invention of Meditron:
- After completing his education, Medina worked as an engineer in various companies, including the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT).
- In the early 1970s, he began working on developing a device that would optimize traffic light operations and reduce congestion.
- In 1974, he invented the Meditron, a microprocessor-based traffic control device that used sensors to detect the presence and density of vehicles on roads.
- The Meditron was the first of its kind and revolutionized the way traffic signals were operated. It significantly improved traffic flow, reduced waiting times, and enhanced road safety.
- Medina's invention gained widespread recognition and he received several awards and honours, including the Presidential Award of Excellence and the Ramon Magsaysay Award for International Understanding in 1983.
Later work and achievements:
- After the success of the Meditron, Medina continued his career as an engineer and technology innovator.
- He founded his own company, Medina Electronics and Communications Incorporated (MECC), which focused on developing electronic control systems for various applications.
- Medina held various patents for his inventions and remained active in research and development until his later years.
Personal life and legacy:
- Medina was a dedicated family man and actively involved in his community.
- He was a Rotarian and served as a club president and district governor.
- Medina passed away in March 2020, leaving behind a legacy as an innovative engineer and entrepreneur who made a significant impact on traffic management and road safety in the Philippines and beyond.