For the third consecutive year, Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) continues its collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) in championing youth innovation through the 8th cycle of the imake.wemake:create.innovate.collaborate competition.
This national platform provides high school students with an opportunity to develop science-driven solutions to current societal issues. The initiative resonates deeply with Honda’s brand philosophy, The Power of Dreams – How We Move You, by encouraging creativity, resilience, and purpose among the country’s youth.
Held on April 24–25, 2025, at Ascott Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, the competition’s culminating event featured the final presentation and awarding of the top 20 teams. Their projects demonstrated not only technical ingenuity, but also a passion for solving real-world problems through teamwork and innovation.
HCPI once again sponsored the Youth Innovation Prize (YIP), awarding PHP 200,000 each to three outstanding schools whose work exemplified innovation, practical application, and societal impact.
Recognized for their forward-thinking solutions were:
- Bantayan Science High School for Project LUSAI, a LiDAR-powered unmanned surface vehicle system for marine ecosystem monitoring. It offers real-time data and improved mapping techniques to enhance ocean conservation efforts.
- Lala National High School for C.R.A.B.-Tech, an autonomous baiting and harvesting technology for aquaculture. It supports sustainable crab farming by preventing the capture of undersized specimens, contributing to long-term viability in the industry.
- Rizal National Science High School for Project SALIN, a wearable speech-to-sign-language device that promotes inclusivity for the deaf community. Capable of interpreting English and Tagalog into Filipino Sign Language animations, it aims to bridge communication gaps and support Special Needs Education stakeholders.
Guest speaker Engr. Mark Kennedy Bantugon, inventor of Pili Seal and a DOST scholar, inspired the participants with his story of persistence and innovation. Reflecting on his journey, he encouraged students to believe in the value of small beginnings, reminding them that transformative ideas often start from humble origins.
Honda Cars Philippines remains steadfast in its belief that investing in the youth is investing in the nation’s future. By supporting platforms like imake.wemake, HCPI continues to uphold its commitment to enabling the next generation to imagine, create, and lead through innovation.
Further information on Honda’s youth-oriented programs can be found at https://global.honda/en/philanthropy/youth_for_the_future/.
