FANCY A SERVING OF CAR FLOAT?
With Flood Guard, never be afraid of inundation again
The Philippine archipelago is no stranger to typhoons. As a tropical country, it has two distinct seasons -- dry and rainy. The latter brings around 10 to 15 monsoons annually.
In the past, torrential rains and deluges were expected between the months of June to August. With the effects of global warming and man-made pollution, year-round showers with accompanying floods do not surprise Filipinos anymore.
Unfortunately, some monsoon seasons have not been particularly kind. In 2009, Typhoon Ondoy (international name: Ketsana) hit the country, taking an estimated 747 lives and causing at least US$1 billion damage in property. Footage showed the damaged it caused to houses, roads, and to vehicles as well – making it imperative for many to safeguard their automobiles for similar, unexpected circumstances. Insurance companies increased awareness on policies that covered “Acts of God.” Car owners are now conscious about protecting their vehicles against accidents caused by floods, hail, tsunamis, earthquakes, and other natural calamities.
What is the importance of insuring vehicles when we very well know how to keep them safe? Entrepreneur Paul dela Fuente says being a proactive car owner prepares one for the cost of repair or replacement should the vehicle be damaged by natural events. While thinking of ways to further protect his car, he thought of creating a bag that is large enough to keep a car afloat during flooding. His invention, called Flood Guard, is now a patented product by PCDLF Trading. On their website, the company states that its mission is to “provide customers peace of mind during calamities (so) that their hard-earned money will not be wasted by repairing their vehicles damaged due to flooding.”
Together with wife Marion, Dela Fuente worked on developing the product last November. Their team has been working full-time on ensuring its effectiveness and performance for testing and patenting. Dela Fuente previously owned a Toyota 86 and wanted to secure it from flood.
“I always have nightmares of it being caught up by flood every time the rainy season comes,” he told Carmudi Magazine Philippines. “I kept on looking for something like this in the market, but I never found one that responds fast and provides the quality I expect.”
While his search for the product entailed him to part with his sports car, he willingly did so to raise funds for the development of Flood Guard. The bag has four anchor points that will reduce the risk of a vehicle floating away (from its position). “…The owner can attach it to any stable structure such as posts, trees, or poles,” Dela Fuente explains. “For added protection, there are foam paddings that provide cushion in case it collides with walls (and other) structures. All these features are unique to Flood Guard,” he said. Dela Fuente tested successfully it on his Nissan Juke during a storm. “I am confident that my product works, so I tested it on my own car.”
SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT
“Though there may be other products with the same concept, ours is the most accessible. The materials we use are more durable than its predecessors and the design of the bag makes it easy to use as well. The paddings of the bag resemble a bump car’s rubber bumpers,” insists the inventor.
Dela Fuente saw promise in the product early on, prompting him to apply for a patent even before starting on production. This decision was vindicated by a steady increase in sales as more people became familiar with Flood Guard. At present, a partnership with another company is being laid out to support the distribution and marketing requirements of the product. Dela Fuente says they are excited to help more people save money and their cars during calamity.
The bags are available in two sizes: medium (P9,900) and large (P13,000). A seven-day product exchange warranty is also offered, allowing car owners to change bag sizes if needed. A repair warranty for the bag, subject to terms and conditions, is also available to clients.
A motorcycle flood bag is also being developed as a response to inquiries from bike owners, feedback that the company just could not ignore, Dela Fuente said.
***
Learn more about Flood Guard on the website www.floodguardph.com or Facebook page www.facebook.com/floodguardph. Products can be purchased via lazada.com.ph.
In the past, torrential rains and deluges were expected between the months of June to August. With the effects of global warming and man-made pollution, year-round showers with accompanying floods do not surprise Filipinos anymore.
Unfortunately, some monsoon seasons have not been particularly kind. In 2009, Typhoon Ondoy (international name: Ketsana) hit the country, taking an estimated 747 lives and causing at least US$1 billion damage in property. Footage showed the damaged it caused to houses, roads, and to vehicles as well – making it imperative for many to safeguard their automobiles for similar, unexpected circumstances. Insurance companies increased awareness on policies that covered “Acts of God.” Car owners are now conscious about protecting their vehicles against accidents caused by floods, hail, tsunamis, earthquakes, and other natural calamities.
What is the importance of insuring vehicles when we very well know how to keep them safe? Entrepreneur Paul dela Fuente says being a proactive car owner prepares one for the cost of repair or replacement should the vehicle be damaged by natural events. While thinking of ways to further protect his car, he thought of creating a bag that is large enough to keep a car afloat during flooding. His invention, called Flood Guard, is now a patented product by PCDLF Trading. On their website, the company states that its mission is to “provide customers peace of mind during calamities (so) that their hard-earned money will not be wasted by repairing their vehicles damaged due to flooding.”
Together with wife Marion, Dela Fuente worked on developing the product last November. Their team has been working full-time on ensuring its effectiveness and performance for testing and patenting. Dela Fuente previously owned a Toyota 86 and wanted to secure it from flood.
“I always have nightmares of it being caught up by flood every time the rainy season comes,” he told Carmudi Magazine Philippines. “I kept on looking for something like this in the market, but I never found one that responds fast and provides the quality I expect.”
While his search for the product entailed him to part with his sports car, he willingly did so to raise funds for the development of Flood Guard. The bag has four anchor points that will reduce the risk of a vehicle floating away (from its position). “…The owner can attach it to any stable structure such as posts, trees, or poles,” Dela Fuente explains. “For added protection, there are foam paddings that provide cushion in case it collides with walls (and other) structures. All these features are unique to Flood Guard,” he said. Dela Fuente tested successfully it on his Nissan Juke during a storm. “I am confident that my product works, so I tested it on my own car.”
SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT
“Though there may be other products with the same concept, ours is the most accessible. The materials we use are more durable than its predecessors and the design of the bag makes it easy to use as well. The paddings of the bag resemble a bump car’s rubber bumpers,” insists the inventor.
Dela Fuente saw promise in the product early on, prompting him to apply for a patent even before starting on production. This decision was vindicated by a steady increase in sales as more people became familiar with Flood Guard. At present, a partnership with another company is being laid out to support the distribution and marketing requirements of the product. Dela Fuente says they are excited to help more people save money and their cars during calamity.
The bags are available in two sizes: medium (P9,900) and large (P13,000). A seven-day product exchange warranty is also offered, allowing car owners to change bag sizes if needed. A repair warranty for the bag, subject to terms and conditions, is also available to clients.
A motorcycle flood bag is also being developed as a response to inquiries from bike owners, feedback that the company just could not ignore, Dela Fuente said.
***
Learn more about Flood Guard on the website www.floodguardph.com or Facebook page www.facebook.com/floodguardph. Products can be purchased via lazada.com.ph.
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