By Heherson Valdez
The Regional Invention Contest and Exhibits (RICE) is more than just a platform for scouting budding inventors and researchers from different regions in the Philippines; it also opens opportunities for local inventions to gain recognition on the global stage. As the qualifying round for the National Invention Contest and Exhibits (NICE), RICE opens doors for local inventors to compete on a global stage, where their homegrown innovations receive international acclaim.
This support for the internationalization of locally-made technologies is pursuant to Republic Act No. 7459, also known as the Inventors and Invention Incentives Act of the Philippines. Winners of NICE, subject to evaluation, may receive government assistance to showcase their inventions in countries where their fields of interest are more advanced.
Through the Department of Science and Technology - Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI) and its Science and Technology Promotion for International Contest and Exhibits (SPICE) Program, these inventors and researchers gain opportunities to expand their networks, secure funding, and promote their technologies in the global market. Now, let’s take a glimpse into the journey of the NICE 2024 winners as they make the leap from the national to the international stage.
NICE 2022 Winners at 49th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva (IEIG) in Switzerland
The success of the 2022 NICE winners at the 49th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva (IEIG) in Switzerland highlights the potential of Filipino innovations. Competing against over 1,035 inventors from 45 countries, the Philippine delegation demonstrated their ingenuity by bringing home four silver awards, five bronze awards, and several special recognitions.
Among the notable awardees from the NICE 2022 winners were the following: Prof. Zaldy A. Fernandez from Mariano Marcos State University, whose Multi-Fuel Dryer, the 2022 Unlad Awardee for Outstanding Utility Model, earned a silver medal at IEIG 2024; Ms. Charito T. Aranilla and Ms. Lorna S. Relleve from DOST-PNRI, who received a silver medal for their New Hemostat Technology, which had previously won the 2022 Likha Award for Outstanding Public-Funded Creative Research; and Engr. Mark Kennedy E. Bantugon from Mapúa University, who developed Pili Seal: Pili Tree Resin as Sealants and Flame Retardants, whose recipient of the NICE SIBOL Award for Outstanding College Student Creative Research Category, secured a bronze medal along with a special award from the King Khalid University Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
NICE 2024 Winners at the Seoul International Invention Fair
Following the success of NICE 2022, the 2024 NICE winners showcased their innovations at the Seoul International Invention Fair (SIIF) 2024, held on November 29, 2024, in South Korea. Competing against 519 inventions from 32 countries, the Philippine delegation once again demonstrated the exceptional caliber of Filipino ingenuity.
Among the distinguished winners were Mr. Francisco Gecosala, whose Turbo Rice Steamer, the First Prize Winner of the Unlad Award, earned the Best International Invention and Innovation Award from the National Research Council of Thailand; Ms. Beatrice Bayan, inventor of the IET Pro: Impulse Excitation Technique Prototype and First Prize Winner of the Sibol Award (College Level), secured a Silver Award at SIIF 2024 and received the Best International Invention and Innovation Award from Thailand; and Ms. Miraleih Jaime and Mr. Peter John R. Bacani, developers of the Smart Helmet: Emergency Alarm System and First Prize Winners of the Sibol Award (High School Level), received a Silver Award at SIIF 2024, the Innovation Award from Saudi Arabia, and a special recognition for Ms. Jaime as Best Young Inventor by Takharuj Law Firm of Saudi Arabia.
DOST-TAPI’s support for these innovators deepens the Department’s commitment to nurturing local talent and strengthening the country’s position in the global innovation ecosystem.
From Local Recognition to Global Impact
With DOST-TAPI’s continued efforts in supporting Filipino inventors through the internationalization of technologies, RICE, and NICE serve as crucial stepping stones for innovators to transform their ideas into globally-recognized solutions. As more Filipino inventors step onto the world stage, the country solidifies its reputation as a hub for technologies that contribute to economic growth, sustainability, and national development.
As CLUSTERICE 2025 continues to unfold, the next generation of Filipino innovators is encouraged to seize these opportunities, push the boundaries of innovation from ideation to commercialization, and represent the country on the international stage. Through RICE and NICE, the journey from a simple idea to global recognition is within reach.
** This article is part of the “ClusteRICE 2025” Campaign. For more information and event updates, please visit the DOST-TAPI website at www.tapi.dost.gov.ph. For media inquiries, please contact Ms. Mirielle Vacal at +639567113145 or Mr. Heherson Valdez at +639064477735, or email them at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. **
