At Marco Polo Manila, innovation took center stage as Samsung Philippines celebrated the winners of Solve for Tomorrow 2025, marking both the program’s third year in the country and its 15th year globally. More than an awards ceremony, the event underscored how young Filipinos actively shape the future through technology, creativity, and purpose.
Cavite Science Integrated School Leads the Way
Cavite Science Integrated School dominated this year’s competition, securing both the Grand Prize and Second Prize—a rare achievement that reflected the school’s strong culture of innovation.
The Grand Prize went to “Mangrove Health Monitor (MaHeMol)”, a solar-powered water-quality sensing buoy designed to address urgent environmental challenges. The system continuously monitors mangrove ecosystems by measuring salinity, turbidity, pH levels, temperature, and dissolved oxygen. As a result, communities can identify vulnerable areas early and respond more effectively to environmental threats.
The winning team—Elisha Lhane Althea Ramos, Harly P. Bautista, Jhacis Miguel Causapin, and Eileen Cassandra S. Datu, guided by adviser Jeremae V. Varias—will receive ₱500,000 worth of Samsung devices for their school, ₱250,000 worth of devices for the students and adviser, ₱100,000 in cash for the team, and ₱30,000 in cash for their teacher.
Smart Agriculture Earns Second Prize
Meanwhile, Cavite Science Integrated School also claimed Second Prize with “EGGNovation,” an automated egg quality segregation system that supports farmers and producers. By combining a conveyor mechanism with image-processing technology, the system scans and sorts eggs based on yolk freshness. Consequently, it reduces manual labor, minimizes errors, and increases productivity in egg-sorting operations.
Team members Adam Uriel Berganos, Jared Y. Cabillan, Niel Jullian M. Caringal, and Cedrick A. Del Mundo, together with adviser Mharlotte O. Ilagan, will take home ₱300,000 worth of Samsung devices for their school, ₱250,000 worth of devices for the team and adviser, ₱70,000 in cash for the students, and ₱25,000 in cash for their teacher.
Sustainable Farming Shines in the North
In addition, Tuguegarao City Science High School secured Third Prize for “BANTALAY,” a solar-powered UV light trap designed for sustainable pest control. The system adjusts its light intensity based on humidity levels, improving efficiency while reducing reliance on chemical pesticides.
Students Zeke Rinzen Maggay, Princess F. Cue, Rhiane Leigh E. Espanto, and Julius James A. Palattao, led by adviser Raissa Jennifer C. Pulido, will receive ₱200,000 worth of Samsung devices for their school, ₱250,000 worth of devices for the team and adviser, ₱50,000 in cash for the students, and ₱15,000 in cash for their teacher.
Beyond the Podium, Innovation Thrives
However, the celebration extended beyond the top three winners. Samsung also recognized the remaining Top 10 finalist teams, awarding ₱15,000 in cash to each team and ₱5,000 to their teachers. These projects ranged from AI-powered disaster response tools and flood route mapping systems to sustainable materials, solar innovations, and health-monitoring wearable technology—highlighting the breadth of student-led problem-solving nationwide.
Building Tomorrow Starts Today
Since its launch in 2010, Solve for Tomorrow has evolved from a simple essay contest into a hands-on innovation platform that equips students with design thinking skills, real-world experience, and the confidence to turn ideas into action. This year, with the support of the Department of Education, the competition received over 300 entries from Grades 8–10 students in public science high schools across the country. After rigorous evaluation, judges selected 10 finalists and ultimately crowned three grand winners.
Roman Han, President of Samsung Philippines, emphasized the program’s purpose:
“We believe our success grows with the communities we serve. Through Solve for Tomorrow, we empower young Filipinos with the tools, education, and opportunities to create meaningful solutions for a better future.”
Guided by Samsung’s vision, “Together for Tomorrow: Enabling People,” the program continues to inspire the next generation to lead with purpose, innovation, and impact.
As the evening concluded, one message resonated clearly: the future is not something these students are waiting for, they are already creating it. (with reports from Loyd Pino)
