By Mirielle Vacal
Manila, Philippines - Every invention begins the same way: with a problem someone refuses to ignore.
A farmer is looking for a better way to dry crops. A student is building a safer helmet. A researcher is trying to make technology more accessible.
Across the Philippines, these ideas exist. But for many innovators, the real challenge is not creating them; it’s moving them forward.
At Malacañang, that challenge, and its possibilities, took center stage as the country’s top innovators were recognized through the NICE 2026 Presidential Awards.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. captured this in his message: “These are precisely the kinds of innovations that we seek, ones that offer solutions to real-world challenges and improve the lives of our fellow Filipinos.”
Organized by the Department of Science and Technology - Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI), NICE 2026 culminated in the Presidential Awards held at the Malacañang Palace on April 28, 2026, recognizing the country’s most outstanding innovations, each carrying the potential to create real impact beyond the laboratory.
The awarding ceremony was led by His Excellency, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., with DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr. joining the Filipino inventors, innovators, and researchers who continue to push boundaries through science and technology.
Anchored on the theme: “Limitless: Innovation Beyond Boundaries,” the event reflects a growing reality: Filipino ideas are no longer confined locally; they are all set to compete, scale, and thrive globally.
From 764 Ideas to the National Stage
Before reaching Malacañang, every finalist went through a nationwide search.
Through the Regional Invention Contest and Exhibits by Cluster (ClusteRICE) 2025, 764 entries were evaluated from across the country. From these, only 28 finalists advanced to NICE 2026.
NICE brings these stories together and gives them something many innovators lack: visibility, validation, and a way forward.
The Journey Doesn’t Stop Here
For Atty. Marion Ivy D. Decena, the awards are not the destination; they are a turning point:
“From ClusteRICE to NICE, we are building pathways for Filipino innovators to move forward; from developing their ideas within their communities to presenting them on a national stage, and eventually representing the Philippines globally.”
Through its programs, DOST-TAPI helps innovators navigate what comes after: from intellectual property protection to technology development to commercialization, and even international exposure, recognition, and awards.
From National to Global Recognition
This pathway is already producing results.
Filipino innovations that passed through NICE have gone on to win gold, silver, and bronze awards in Geneva and Seoul, proving that local solutions can meet global standards. Their innovations are steadily progressing toward commercialization and adoption, highlighting how NICE helps transform promising ideas into real technologies ready for transfer, scaling, and market entry.
From agricultural technologies to engineering solutions and student-led innovations, these breakthroughs show that it becomes possible when ideas are supported.
And this is what “Limitless” looks like in action.
Recognizing Innovations that Matter
Awardees were honored under the following categories:
- Tuklas Award for Outstanding Invention (Private-Funded Category): Effectiveness and Safety of Herbal cream preparation DEMOLLUSCUM in the removing of Molluscum Contagiosum and the Like using Cashew nut oil extract (Anacardium occidentale, Linn.) - Rommel B. Dela Cruz, Richard B. Dela Cruz, & Lorena Dela Cruz-Chiu (NCR Cluster)
- Banghay Award for Outstanding Industrial Design: Multi-Grain Precision Seeder with Fertilizer Applicator - Delfin C. Cuevas Jr. (Southern Luzon Cluster)
- Tuklas Award for Outstanding Invention (Government-Funded Category): Multi-shell Neutron Spectrometer (MuNS) - Alvie J. Asuncion-Astronomo, Frederick C. Hila, Cheri Anne M. Dingle, Charlotte V. Balderas, Rafael Miguel M. Dela Cruz, & Neil Raymund D. Guillermo (NCR Cluster)
- Likha Award for Outstanding Creative Research (Government-Funded Category): Point-Of-Care (On-Site) African Swine Fever Virus Detection System - Reneelyn E. Danganan-Cutab, John Paulo G. Jose, Sheila D. Mantaring, Zafia A. Aborot, Janella C. Manlutac, Dianne Marie C. Bantola, Arnie O. Dimaano, Phillipe Ira M. Balilla, & Romarico M. Bassig Jr. (NCR Cluster)
- Sibol Award for Outstanding Student Creative Research (College Level): I-Count: Artificial Intelligence Optical Chick Counting Device For Unloading Operation - Bennet Jillian B. Fabrigas, Allen Joy P. Parreno, John Oscar E. Sta. Ana, Mikkaella O. Nadales, John Keci Rebadomia, Paul Kennith Marasigan, & Paul Richard Villason (Visayas Cluster)
Each award signals readiness; innovations are prepared to move beyond prototypes and into real-world applications.
Why This Matters Now
The Philippines continues to generate strong ideas. The next step is ensuring these ideas reach people who need them.
Many innovations face challenges in funding, visibility, and market access. NICE helps address this by creating a clear pathway from discovery to recognition and toward application.
Along this path, DOST-TAPI guides innovators as they move their ideas forward.
As DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr. emphasized, DOST-TAPI provides targeted support through its key programs: patent and intellectual property assistance to secure innovations; technology promotion and marketing to connect inventors with industries, investors, and adopters; technology transfer and commercialization support to enable market entry and scaling up; and international exposure initiatives that open global opportunities for Filipino innovations.
Call to Action: Start Where You Are
If you are a student, researcher, startup, or independent innovator with an idea, it's time to take the next step.
Begin by identifying the problem you want to solve, developing your idea, and continuously refining it. When you feel prepared, DOST-TAPI is here to help you progress.
Let us transform your idea into a meaningful impact.
The National Invention Contest and Exhibits (NICE) is one of the flagship components of the Institutional Support for Technology Exposition (ISTE) Program that aims to strengthen marketing, promotion, and support for DOST-generated technologies and homegrown inventions. This is anchored on the Republic Act 7459, or the Inventors and Invention Incentives Act of the Philippines. The program underscores the government’s commitment to nurturing Filipino innovation for national development.
The Department of Science and Technology -Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI) is one of DOST's service agencies whose primary responsibility is to promote the commercialization of technologies and market the services of other operating units of the Department. It was created by virtue of Executive Order No. 128 on 30 January 1987.
If you want to learn more about the programs and services of DOST-TAPI, you may email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., call us at (02) 8582 1450, or visit our DOST-TAPI Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/DOST.TAPI) for more details.
