By Heherson Valdez
Palo, Leyte – The Department of Science and Technology – Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI) successfully staged the Visayas Cluster Leg of the 2025 Regional Invention Contest and Exhibits by Cluster (ClusteRICE), held from August 27-28, 2025, at the Philippine Science High School – Eastern Visayas Campus in Palo, Leyte.
With the entries received across the Visayas, the two-day event featured pitching sessions and an awarding ceremony that recognized the ingenuity of local inventors and researchers.
The official qualifiers from the Visayas Cluster are as follows:
|
Entry Title |
Category |
Region |
|
Coirmach: A Coco Fiber Twining Machine |
Tuklas Award for Outstanding Invention -Government Funded |
Region VI |
|
Seed Planter |
Unlad Award for Outstanding Utility Model |
Region VI |
|
Project TANAW: 3D-Printed Urban Model with Geohazards Simulations Using Virtual Environment and AR Projection Mapping |
Likha Award for Outstanding Creative Research |
Region VIII |
|
I-Count: Artificial Intelligence Optical Chick Counting Device For Unloading Operation |
Sibol Award for Outstanding Student Creative Research (College Category) |
Region VI |
|
Establishing The Nutraceutical Potential Of Quercetin In Physalis Peruviana And Passiflora Foetida Fruits Via In Vitro Bioassays, Phytochemical, Physicochemical, And Nutritional Profiling Analyses |
Sibol Award for Outstanding Student Creative Research (High School Category) |
Region VI |
The Visayas Cluster Winners now join other qualifiers heading to the 2026 National Invention Contest and Exhibits (NICE), where regional champions will compete for national titles. NICE winners may access DOST-TAPI’s support programs and services, such as funding for product development, commercialization assistance, and IP support, and may also be chosen to represent the country in international fairs and competitions.
Represented by Mr. Mark Anthony C. Bigayan, Chief of Technology Information and Promotion Division (TIPD), DOST-TAPI Director Atty. Marion Ivy D. Decena emphasized the significance of winning in the ClusteRICE, as they will have the chance to compete nationally. To learn more about this, read this article: From RICE to NICE: Empowering Filipino Inventors with Global Opportunities.
“To participants, your work is invaluable. Winning first prize in ClusteRICE 2025 qualifies you for the National Invention Contest and Exhibits (NICE) in 2026, where local champions gain national recognition and opportunities.”
The Institute also extended its gratitude to DOST-Region VIII and the Philippine Science High School – Eastern Visayas Campus for co-organizing and hosting the Visayas leg of ClusteRICE 2025.
Upcoming ClusteRICE 2025 Schedules
DOST-TAPI also announced the schedules of the upcoming cluster legs:
- South Luzon Cluster: October 01–02, 2025
- Mindanao Cluster: October 07–08, 2025
- North Luzon Cluster: October 14–15, 2025
These upcoming legs will continue to scout and recognize homegrown inventions and research projects that will advance to NICE 2026.
ClusteRICE is part of DOST-TAPI’s Institutional Support for Technology Exposition (ISTE) Program, implemented through the Technology Information and Promotion Division (TIPD). The program serves as a strategic platform to promote DOST-developed technologies and local inventions, anchored on Republic Act 7459, or the Inventors and Invention Incentives Act of the Philippines.
The Department of Science and Technology - Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI) is among the DOST’s service agencies tasked to promote technology commercialization and innovation support services, created under the Executive Order No.128 on 30 January 1987.
For more information about DOST-TAPI’s programs and services, you may email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., call (02) 8582 1450, or visit the official DOST-TAPI Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/DOST.TAPI.
