Filipino Student Innovators Shine in National Science Storytelling Competition
The Gawad Alunig x Dalumat (GAxD) campaign has crowned its latest champions, celebrating outstanding narratives that highlight Filipino ingenuity in science and technology. The Technology Application and Promotion Institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-TAPI) announced the winners, with two student-led teams taking home the grand champion titles for their inspiring stories on mechanical engineering and environmental sustainability.
Creative Blocks Wins Gawad Alunig with Aerodynamic Innovation Story
Davao-based Creative Blocks emerged as the Gawad Alunig grand champion for their emotionally resonant video advertisement titled Taghoy. This audio-visual piece focuses on Lumad 6.0, an innovative vehicle developed through the University of Mindanao's Mechanical Engineering program. The team creatively used the wind as a powerful metaphor for resilience, adaptation, and overcoming life's challenges, drawing inspiration from the vehicle's aerodynamic design aimed at enhancing fuel efficiency.
Natalie Rose Pimentel of Creative Blocks explained that their submission's title, Taghoy, originates from the Visayan word meaning "calling the wind." She elaborated that their team interpreted this concept as a symbol of perseverance. "When you persevere, you call the wind. Our story beautifully illustrates the journey from resisting to finally embracing and calling the wind. It also serves as an encouraging message to fellow creators to persist relentlessly in achieving their goals," Pimentel stated.
Comprising multimedia students, Creative Blocks expressed hope that their victory would motivate other students and creative individuals to participate in national campaigns like GAxD. "It's crucial to keep creating, crafting, and honing one's skills. Be an artist with a purpose," Pimentel emphasized, highlighting the importance of purposeful creativity in driving innovation.
Bihasaya Claims Gawad Dalumat with Sustainable Tree-Planting Method
Meanwhile, the Gawad Dalumat grand champion title went to Bihasaya from Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, for their innovative approach to sustainable tree-planting. Their winning photo essay, I-Pot of Tomorrow, showcases how fallen ipil-ipil sheaths can be ingeniously transformed into biodegradable pots. This entry powerfully demonstrates that innovation can be gentle and accessible, offering hope amidst the global plastic pollution crisis.
The Bihasaya team originates from the Science and Technology Education Center–Senior High School (STEC-SHS) Mantalaan in Davao. STEC-SHS has established itself as a formidable contender in the GAxD campaign, with student entries consistently reaching the finals for three consecutive years. However, Bihasaya marks the first STEC-SHS team to secure the prestigious Gawad Dalumat grand champion position.
Jannah Pauline Jimenez of Bihasaya attributed their success to their educational institution. "We joined the GAxD campaign to promote our school, which passionately focuses on innovation. We come from an institution brimming with students who take pride in creating new things," Jimenez shared.
Jimenez encouraged other students to participate in similar campaigns to showcase their talents and skills. "Through our win, we aspire to inspire others to develop more solutions to combat pressing issues like plastic pollution," she reflected, underscoring the campaign's role in fostering environmental stewardship.
Campaign Highlights Nationwide Participation and Filipino Ingenuity
The GAxD campaign attracted nearly 200 video and photo essay submissions from 15 regions across the Philippines, solidifying its status as a truly nationwide initiative. Notably, the majority of finalists hailed from Mindanao, showcasing the region's exceptional talent in highlighting Filipino creativity and innovation.
Gawad Alunig Head Judge Ken Lerona expressed delight at the diversity and quality of entries. "We were thoroughly impressed by the video and photo essays we deliberated on because we witnessed dozens of Filipinos passionately providing a platform for community innovators to shine," Lerona remarked.
The winning entries vividly illustrate how Filipinos are creative geniuses in promoting local innovations. Beyond elevating Pinoy ingenuity on a national scale, the campaign offers featured innovations opportunities to receive support from DOST-TAPI's ongoing programs, further nurturing the growth of homegrown technological advancements.
