MINDANAO'S HOMEGROWN INNOVATORS TAKE CENTER STAGE AS FOUR BREAKTHROUGHS EARN NATIONAL SPOTS

By Bhal Abad Cabrera | July 30, 2026

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental — Mindanao's growing reputation as a source of homegrown innovation gained national attention after four locally developed technologies secured slots in the 2026 Presidential Filipinnovation Awards (PFA) National Competition, showcasing the region's ability to create solutions with real-world impact.

The winning entries emerged from the Mindanao Sub-National Competition held in Ozamiz City, where innovators from across the island presented technologies aimed at addressing challenges in agriculture, construction, and other key sectors.

Governor Henry S. Oaminal, chairperson of the Mindanao Sub-National Selection Committee, said the finalists reflect the ingenuity and resilience of Mindanaoans whose ideas have the potential to contribute to national progress.

"These innovations prove that world-class ideas are not limited to major urban centers. They are being developed right here in Mindanao by people who understand the needs of their communities," Oaminal said.

He emphasized that the Presidential Filipinnovation Awards serve as a platform for transforming local ideas into nationally recognized innovations capable of improving industries and creating economic opportunities.

According to Oaminal, the competition also highlighted the importance of collaboration among government agencies, academic institutions, private organizations, and innovators in building a stronger innovation ecosystem.

The governor noted that many of the featured technologies were born out of everyday challenges faced by ordinary Filipinos. Among them were an AI-powered construction management platform designed to improve project efficiency and an automated coconut sap juice extractor inspired by the experiences of coconut-farming communities.

He said these innovations demonstrate how practical solutions developed at the grassroots level can eventually become technologies with nationwide applications.

Beyond the competition, Oaminal expressed optimism that the event would encourage more young innovators, researchers, and entrepreneurs to pursue science, technology, and innovation as tools for nation-building.

"The future belongs to those who innovate. We hope that more Mindanaoans will be inspired to develop solutions that improve lives and strengthen our economy," he said.

The governor congratulated the four winning teams, encouraging them to proudly represent Mindanao when they compete against the country's top innovators in the national finals this September.

The 2026 Presidential Filipinnovation Awards Mindanao Sub-National Competition brought together researchers, startups, educators, students, government agencies, and industry leaders in Ozamiz City, underscoring the region's growing role in advancing innovation and technology-driven development in the Philippines.