Innovation and youth empowerment took center stage at the 7th imake.wemake:create.innovate.collaborate competition, hosted by the Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) and backed by Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI). Held on July 25 and 26, 2024, at Citadines Bay City Manila, this event showcased the remarkable talents and ingenuity of young innovators across the Philippines.
For years, the imake.wemake competition has served as fertile ground for budding innovators, encouraging them to devise solutions to pressing problems faced by their communities. This year’s edition saw 20 finalist schools presenting projects aimed at addressing significant societal challenges. “Madali lang yung thought na gumawa ng mga innovations. But it’s more of the passion to make outright changes and help create a better country na makakapag-push sayo na gumawa,” shared Czalei Ajesha M. Seguro, one of the finalists from Masbate National Comprehensive High School.
After months of hard work, these finalists delivered not just technical prowess but heartfelt purpose behind their projects. The competition encouraged students to think critically and create innovations rooted in real-world needs, making it relevant for Filipinos today. Besting tough competition, the schools presented three standout projects worthy of the esteemed Youth Innovation Prize (YIP) Award, presented by HCPI.
The winning projects demonstrated potential benefits not only for their specific targeted communities but also for broader societal impacts. The standout among them was the “Efficient Code Recognition and Enhanced Auditory Device (EC-READ),” developed by Limay Senior High School. This project aims to provide visually impaired individuals with the ability to read printed and digital materials through auditory outputs. The device utilizes the Arduino platform, showcasing how technology can render information accessible.
From the perspective of agriculture, the Iligan City National High School introduced “S.A.G.A.N.A: Smart Agriculture with Greenhouse Automated Nebulization and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Assessment.” This innovative approach proposes to improve agricultural productivity through automated systems paired with AI-driven monitoring. The project is poised to change traditional farming methodologies, heightening efficiency and addressing challenges posed by climate change.
Equally impressive was the “AQUASTELLAR” project from Bansud National High School. This low-cost portable lamp is particularly significant for areas lacking reliable electricity. Its design utilizes detachable electrolyte cells and intelligent controls to provide sustainable energy solutions, making it adaptable for both upland and lowland regions.
Engr. Albert G. Mariño, director of DOST-SEI, underscored the importance of the initiative, reminding students of their remarkable achievements irrespective of the competition's outcome. He encouraged them to take pride in their hard work, stating, “You are improving the present to build the future.”
Honda’s involvement demonstrated its dedication to empowering today’s youth. According to Ms. Aizza Flores, HCPI’s General Manager of Sales, the company believes strongly in supporting young creatives who can lead the way toward innovative solutions for future challenges. Drawing parallels between the young participants and Soichiro Honda, one of the company’s founders, she remarked, “Mr. Honda was once like you — curious, eager to create, and unfazed by setbacks.”
This partnership with DOST-SEI is part of Honda’s broader initiative to champion youth empowerment and encourage innovation. By fostering innovation among young Filipinos, both Honda and DOST-SEI reinforce their commitment to building brighter futures through science and technology.
The competition not only highlights individual creativity but also promotes teamwork and collaboration. These values are critical as participants learn to navigate challenges together, priming them to tackle larger societal issues outside of the event.
The imake.wemake competition stands as not just another school event; it represents hope for the future, where the ideas of today’s youth can springboard transformative change for their communities and, eventually, the nation. By providing students with training, mentorship, and the platform to showcase their work, the initiative successfully blends contemporary educational methods with meaningful societal contributions.
With the final presentations marking the culmination of their hard work, the young innovators from Limay, Iligan, and Bansud weren’t just celebrating their awards; they were celebrating the future they envisioned for their country. Honda’s commitment to uplifting these young voices solidified the belief of many: today’s innovations can answer the needs of society and pave the way for tomorrow’s advancements.
The event is perhaps best encapsulated by the words of Aizza Flores, who encouraged participants to continue their passion for invention and innovation. The concluding takeaway from this year's imake.wemake competition is not only the recognition of outstanding projects but also the powerful message: with creativity and collaboration, the youth can spark significant changes.
