PH students win 6 awards at global science fair in Arizona

Filipino student-researchers secured six awards at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair 2026 held in Phoenix, Arizona, the United States, the Department of Education (DepEd) said Wednesday.

The Philippine delegation, composed of 16 learners selected from the National Science and Technology Fair 2026, won two Grand Awards and four Special Awards across multiple categories.

A team from Angeles City Science High School won the 2nd Grand Award in the Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design category for their project WinDTurbinePower, which also received a special award for energy and environmental stewardship.

Students from Quezon City Science High School earned the 3rd Grand Award in the Software Design category for ViSMo, an AI-integrated vital status monitoring robot with Internet of Things features. The team also received additional special awards, including a university scholarship recognition.

Meanwhile, a student from Alaminos City National High School received a special award in the physics and astronomy category from an international patent organization.

Photo: Department of Education

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the students’ achievements highlight the role of mentorship and institutional support in research and innovation.

“Sa likod ng bawat award ay maraming oras ng pag-aaral, paggabay ng coaches at teachers, at tiwala ng schools at families sa kakayahan ng mga bata,” he said.

(Behind every award are many hours of study, guidance from coaches and teachers, and trust from schools and families in the students' abilities.)

He added that initiatives supporting science education and research remain part of efforts to prepare students for higher education and future careers.

Held from May 9 to 15, the Regeneron ISEF gathered more than 1,700 student-researchers from over 60 countries, regions, and territories, making it one of the largest international science competitions for pre-college students. Participants were selected through affiliated science fairs in their respective countries. —VBL, GMA News