By Mirielle Vacal
IN PHOTO: The team from the DOST-TAPI, the Philippine Science High School – Central Mindanao Campus, and ClusteRICE 2025 Mindanao Finalists.
Balo-i, Lanao del Norte — The Department of Science and Technology – Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI) successfully concluded the Mindanao Cluster Leg of the 2025 Regional Invention Contest and Exhibits by Cluster (ClusteRICE), held from October 07 to 08, 2025, at the Philippine Science High School – Central Mindanao Campus.
The two-day event gathered Mindanao’s brightest inventors, researchers, and student innovators to showcase their groundbreaking projects and technologies. Through ClusteRICE, DOST-TAPI continues to provide a platform for local innovators to promote their creations, with the winning entries earning a spot at the upcoming 2026 National Invention Contest and Exhibits (NICE).
Mindanao’s Official NICE 2026 Qualifiers
IN PHOTO (from left to right): Ms. Dorina Marie E. Ytang, Senior Science Research Specialist, DOST Lanao del Norte; Mr. Caesar Angelito E. Arceo, DOST-TAPI IBOD Chief SRS, DOST-TAPI NICE 2026 Qualifiers from Mindanao Cluster, and Mr. Jay Carl Agbay, Chief, Curriculum and Instruction Division and OIC, PSHS CMC, Lanao Del Norte.
DOST-TAPI proudly announced the following winners who will represent the Mindanao Cluster in the 2026 NICE:
|
Entry Title |
Category |
|
Mechanical Coconut Climber |
Tuklas Award for Outstanding Invention |
|
A Device for Car Charging and Battery Monitoring System |
Unlad Award for Outstanding Utility Model |
|
Zappify: IoT-Based Insect Pests Management System for Rice Fields |
Likha Award for Outstanding Creative Research (Government-Funded) |
|
Fecal Smear Kit Pack |
Likha Award for Outstanding Creative Research (Private-Funded) |
|
Automatic Rice Seed Varietal Purity Testing Machine Using Artificial Intelligence and Automation |
Sibol Award for Outstanding Student Creative Research (College Category) |
|
Hibiscus sabdariffa: A Biochemical Activity Probing of Ethnopharmaceutical Potential Thru Quantitative Phytochemical Analysis, BALB/C Swiss Albino Mice Hypoglycemic Evaluation, α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activity and BSLA Cytotoxic Evaluation |
Sibol Award for Outstanding Student Creative Research (High School Category) |
These innovators will advance to the NICE 2026, where regional champions from across the country will compete for national recognition. Winners at the national level may also gain access to DOST-TAPI’s support programs, including product development funding, commercialization assistance, and intellectual property (IP) protection.
DOST-TAPI also extended its gratitude to the Philippine Science High School – Central Mindanao Campus for co-organizing and hosting the event, as well as to all participants for their dedication to research and innovation.
From ClusteRICE 2025 to NICE 2026
Following the Mindanao leg, ClusteRICE 2025 will conclude with the North Luzon Cluster on October 14–15, 2025, completing this year’s series of regional competitions.
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.
