Filipino students win 6 awards in global science fair in Arizona
Inquirer.net
20 May 2026
MANILA, Philippines – Filipino student researchers won six awards at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Two Grand Awards and four Special Awards were earned by Filipino student researchers across various science and innovation categories at the global science fair held from May 9 to 15.
Students from Angeles City Science High School, Quezon City Science High School, and Alaminos City National High School received international recognition for their research in energy, software design, and physics and astronomy.
Nathan Andrew P. Canilao, Pierre Phoella G. Ilagan, and Asher John G. Garcia of Angeles City Science High School secured the 2nd Grand Award in the Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design category, along with a $2,400 cash prize, for their project WinDTurbinePower.
The group also bagged the Third Prize Special Award for Excellence in Energy and Environmental Stewardship, along with a $2,000 cash prize, under the guidance of coach Lolita G. Bautista.
Meanwhile, Jose Rafael Cayabyab, Cassandra Lipango, and Eirah Riduca of Quezon City Science High School won the 3rd Grand Award in the Software Design category for ViSMo, an AI-integrated vital status monitoring robot equipped with Internet of Things features.
The team also earned the Arizona State University Scholarship Award and the Society for Science Alumni Award under the guidance of coach Genevieve Vasquez.
Charly David T. Manuel of Alaminos City National High School was recognized in the Physics and Astronomy category after receiving the Patent and Trademark Office Society First Prize Award, which came with a $500 cash prize, under the mentorship of Kris Cristhopher Dela Cruz.
The global science fair gathered over 1,700 young researchers from more than 60 countries, regions, and territories.
Chosen through local affiliate fairs, the finalists competed on the world’s largest pre-college science platform, which highlights top youth talent and promotes a culture of innovation and excellence.
The Philippine team consisted of 16 learner-researchers chosen from the top individual and group projects at the 2026 National Science and Technology Fair held in March before advancing to Regeneron ISEF 2026.
In a statement on Wednesday, Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the achievement shows Filipino learners excel when given proper support, mentorship, and opportunities in science and innovation.“It is heartwarming and a source of pride to see our students able to compete with the best young scientists in the world,” Angara said in Filipino.
“Behind every award are countless hours of study, the guidance of coaches and teachers, and the trust of schools and families in the children’s abilities,” he added.Angara said the awards highlight the value of sustained investment in science education, research, and innovation opportunities for Filipino learners.
“What matters now is that we continue to support this kind of learning—where science is not just a classroom subject, but a way to find solutions to real problems in the community,” Angara said.