Students and teachers in the island province of Basilan were among the first to try a proudly Pinoy invention that promises to make guitar and music lessons easier for beginners.
The Jerichord is a three-stringed instrument created by music teacher and inventor Jericho Castro to help simplify the teaching of complex notes and chords, particularly in guitar. This unique instrument is a practical instructional tool for students, and even teachers, who are just starting to learn music fundamentals.
The Jerichord helps music students learn complex notes and chords.
The Technology Application and Promotion Institute (TAPI) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) supported Castro in developing the Jerichord through grant assistance that helped him produce 100 units of his invention. DOST-TAPI also helped him secure intellectual property protection for the Jerichord through support in filing for its utility model and industrial design registrations.
To help in expanding the reach of the Jerichord and testing it further in the market, DOST-TAPI, through its Project SciNing initiative, brought Castro to Basilan to serve as mentor at an Invent School activity, as well as to demonstrate his invention to participating students and teachers from various high schools in the province.
A focused Jerichord learning session with the inventor and maestro himself
“The students who tried the Jerichord were able to learn guitar chords even with just the few days we spent together at the Invent School,” Castro shared. “The teachers who were there were also amazed to see the Jerichord in action. They could not wait to talk about it to their fellow teachers back home.”
To ensure the lasting impact of the Jerichord among the Invent School participants in Basilan, DOST-TAPI and Castro donated seven units of the instrument to select Invent School students, as well as to partners from different schools and local government units in Basilan and the Ministry of Science and Technology of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
“I am very thankful to DOST-TAPI for such an overwhelming opportunity. It was an exciting experience to see my invention being used by the young people of Basilan,” Castro said.
Both Castro and DOST-TAPI are looking forward to more opportunities and partnerships to bring the Jerichord to more schools across the country.
Curious to try out the Jerichord? Email acu-i@tapi.dost.gov.ph to send your inquiries or to get in touch with inventor Jericho Castro.
Lawrence San Diego
DOST-TAPI S&T Media Service