MANILA – The Department of Education (DepEd) on Wednesday lauded Filipino learner-researchers for garnering international recognition at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
The Philippine delegation secured two Grand Awards and four Special Awards across multiple science and innovation categories in the global science fair.
In a statement, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara commended the efforts of Filipino young researchers and mentors behind their world-class research and innovation.
“Nakakatuwa at nakaka-proud makita ang ating mga mag-aaral na kayang makipagsabayan sa pinakamahuhusay na young scientists sa mundo (It makes us happy and proud to see our learners at par with the brightest young scientists in the world),” he said.
Angara added the achievement reflects the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen the quality of basic education and prepare Filipino learners for innovation-driven opportunities in higher education, industry and nation-building.
Learners from Angeles City Science High School, Quezon City Science High School and Alaminos City National High School earned international recognition for research projects in energy, software design and physics and astronomy.
These include Nathan Andrew Canilao, Pierre Phoella Ilagan and Asher John Garcia, under their coach, Lolita Bautista, from the Angeles City Science High School.
They won the 2nd Grand Award in the Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design category, with a cash prize of USD2,400 for their winning project, the WinDTurbinePower.
They also received the Third Prize Special Award for Excellence in Energy and Environmental Stewardship, with a cash prize of USD2,000.
Besides them, Jose Rafael Cayabyab, Cassandra Lipango and Eirah Riduca from Quezon City Science High School won the 3rd Grand Award for Software Design Category for ViSMo, under the guidance of Genevieve Vasquez.
It is an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-integrated vital status monitoring robot with Internet of Things features.
The team also received the Arizona State University Scholarship Award and the Society for Science Alumni Award.
Charly David Manuel, under coach Kris Cristhopher Dela Cruz, from Alaminos City National High School, likewise, earned recognition in the Physics and Astronomy category.
He received the Patent and Trademark Office Society First Prize Award, with a cash prize of USD500.
Angara commended the support provided for all participating Filipino learner-researchers abroad.
“Sa likod ng bawat award ay maraming oras ng pag-aaral, paggabay ng coaches at teachers, at tiwala ng schools at families sa kakayahan ng mga bata (Behind every award are long hours of research, guidance of coaches and teachers, and the trust of schools and families in the children’s abilities),” he said.
The Education chief also underscored the need for sustained investment in science education, student research and innovation pathways for Filipino learners.
“Ang mahalaga ngayon ay tuloy-tuloy nating suportahan ang ganitong uri ng pagkatuto kung saan ang science ay hindi lang subject sa classroom, kundi paraan para makahanap ng solusyon sa tunay na problema ng komunidad (What’s important now is to sustain the support for this kind of learning where science is not a mere classroom subject, but a way to provide solutions to realistic community problems),” Angara said.
The Philippine delegation was composed of 16 learner-researchers selected from the winning individual and team projects at the 2026 National Science and Technology Fair (NSTF) held in March, before representing the country at Regeneron ISEF 2026.
More than 1,700 young researchers from over 60 countries and regions participated in the 2026 Regeneron ISEF from May 9 to 15. (PNA)