Young Minds, Big Change: The 9th imake.wemake Arduino Bootcamp Ignites a New Generation of Filipino Innovators

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

Pasay City, Philippines – In a world defined by relentless transformation, the future belongs to those who dare to innovate. This powerful sentiment, echoed by Grade 11 finalist Felicity O. Apao , perfectly encapsulates the energy of the 9th imake.wemake: create. innovate. collaborate. competition.

From September 22 to 26, 2025, twenty teams of high school innovators gathered in Pasay City for an intensive five-day Arduino training and bootcamp. These young minds were not just learning to code; they were being equipped to become catalysts of positive change through technology.

Meet the Finalists: Innovation with a Purpose

Selected from over 50 nationwide entries, the 20 finalist teams of Grade 11 students showcased some of the most forward-thinking, evidence-based projects. Their innovations address critical real-world challenges across various sectors, including education, health, agriculture, and environmental protection.

The competition saw participation from a diverse regional mix, with Northern Mindanao and CALABARZON showing strong representation. While many schools are veterans of the event, five joined the prestigious competition for the very first time.

A Glimpse at the Groundbreaking Projects:

Acelo C. Badelles Sr. Memorial High School

B.L.I.N.D.: Broadcasting Link Integrated Navigation Device – An Arduino-Based Wearable Voice Assistive System for the Blinds 

Alabel National Science High School

Intelligent Tracking Using Thermal and Auditory Response Robot (ITOTORO): Early-Diagnosing Drone of Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease 

Antipolo City National Science and Technology High School

EcoBantay: Arduino-Powered Waterway Cleaning Device with GPS-Based Waste Tracking and Alert System 

Jimenez National Comprehensive High School

"AgriSmart: GSM-Arduino System for Precision Rice Irrigation Using Real-Time Soil, Climate, and Growth Stage Analytics" 

Ramon Teves Pastor Memorial-Dumaguete Science High School

"Project RAFTSAFE: Rescue-Adaptable Floating Table with Smart Assessment, Food Storage, and Emergency Vital Monitoring" 

Philippine Science High School - Central Luzon Campus

Hand2Text: An Arduino-based Filipino Sign Language Recognition System using Machine Learning 

Building Knowledge, Sharpening Skills

The bootcamp was a deep dive into technical proficiency and research-driven problem-solving. The participants engaged in hands-on modules covering essential topics:

Arduino fundamentals 

Sensors and wireless communication 

Raspberry Pi interfacing 

Artificial intelligence 

Research and development statistics 

Engineers from ThinkLab Philippines facilitated the majority of the technical sessions. Meanwhile, the research modules were spearheaded by the DOST-SEI (Department of Science and Technology - Science Education Institute). Dr. Randolf S. Sasota, Chief of DOST-SEI’s Science and Technology Manpower Education, Research, and Promotions Division, introduced the teams to crucial data collection and analysis concepts.

Innovation for Impact: The Ethical Dimension

The bootcamp was elevated by a special lecture from DOST-SEI Director Dr. Jayeel S. Cornelio, titled “Innovation for Impact: Turning Bold Ideas Into Global Solutions”. In his first personal address to the finalists, Dr. Cornelio emphasized that true innovation must be ethical and human-centered.

“Yung karunungan na ikaw lang ang nakikinabang ay walang saysay. Meron tayong ethical duty to use it for other people," Dr. Cornelio expressed.

His poignant message served as a vital reminder: innovation is not merely about technology; it is about compassion, responsibility, and the drive to use knowledge for the greater good.

🏁 The Road to the Finals

On the final day, the teams showcased their concepts during the high-stakes Project Pitching Session. They presented to a distinguished Board of Judges, which included Engr. Percival Magpantay, Engr. Carlos Matti Opus, Engr. Edison Roxas, Mr. Rodel Cruz, and Engr. Mark Kennedy Bantugon.

The panel provided invaluable feedback and recommendations, guiding the young innovators on refining their projects for maximum real-world application.

Now, armed with the knowledge and tools from the bootcamp, the teams face their next challenge: developing and perfecting their working prototypes. The journey culminates at the Final Presentation and Awarding Ceremony in March 2026.

The 9th imake.wemake competition, a collaborative effort with the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation (GBF) and C&E Publishing, Inc. (CEPI), continues its mission. It is nurturing a new generation of Filipino innovators who embody not only technical excellence but a deep-seated social purpose—applying science and technology in service of the public.

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