Retired Power Engineer and school custodian Paul Rebucal, formerly associated with the Vancouver School Board, is gaining recognition for his creative solutions aimed at enhancing workplace safety and efficiency.
Recently, Rebucal shared with OMNI News about the three unique inventions – a lunch table lifter, a duster cleaner, and a snow shovel, each thoughtfully tailored with the needs of seniors in mind.
His journey into inventive solutions began as he tackled the challenges of his professional role, leading him to craft tools that not only increased workplace safety but also significantly improved operational efficiency.
“I get inspired working on my inventions because I get to express myself through creativity,” Rebucal told OMNI News.
Crafted from recycled materials gathered during his tenure as a school custodian, his inventions showcase a commitment to sustainability and resourcefulness. These repurposed materials contribute to workplace efficiency and demonstrate an environmentally conscious approach to innovation.
“I set up lunch tables in the gym for the kids, about 10 heavy tables. It’s a struggle for my colleagues and especially for me because I’m short. There were times we get ourselves injured, and our muscles strained,” said Rebucal.
Before his retirement, Rebucal devoted 20 years to the Vancouver School Board, leaving an indelible mark through his passion for problem-solving and creativity.
His inventive mindset made the workplace more manageable for himself and facilitated a more efficient environment for his colleagues.
Rebucal’s inventive prowess extends beyond Canadian borders. Before his arrival in Canada in the 90s, he secured a patent for inventing the Philippines’ first folding bicycle in 1985. This early achievement foreshadowed his continued dedication to creative problem-solving throughout his career.
When asked about his future in invention after retirement, Rebucal remarked, “I found myself in a full circle, from inventions I became a janitor and back to inventions again.”
Paul Rebucal’s story is not just one of a retired power engineer but a testament to the enduring power of creativity and resourcefulness, leaving a legacy of inventive solutions that continue to impact workplaces positively, especially for seniors.
With files from Paula Saraza
