UPHSI wins grand award at Science Castle Philippines 2026

Two Grade 12 STEM teams from the University of the Philippines High School in Iloilo (UPHSI) won top honors at Science Castle Philippines 2026, held at Mapúa University in Intramuros, Manila, on Jan. 17–18, 2026.

Team Cutie-π(s), composed of Gedrick Angelo Aliponga, Aleaj Kirsten Dela Cruz, Joanna Feone Dionisio, Jerrell Empedrad, and Precious Angel Selorio, clinched the Grand Award, which included a PHP 10,000 cash prize and free round-trip tickets to Science Castle Asia 2026 in Malaysia.

Team Bakhawanon, composed of Precious Angel Selorio, James Kaiser Agan, Hans Emmanuel Ebojo, Ma. Graziella Jedee Lagutang, Jayhan Lorin Madarico, and Aitiah Kate Mandar, received a Poster Award and earned a PHP 3,500 cash prize for excellence in research communication.

Both teams were also recognized under the Gold Tier.

Three other UPHSI teams received distinctions in the Silver and Bronze categories.

The Silver Tier was awarded to Team Flavonerds, composed of Jorace Stan Espia, Diane Lesley Deocares, Joanna Feone Dionisio, Joaquin Miguel Lutero, and Yagee Flaris Nepomuceno.

The Silver Tier was also awarded to Team InSiliXO’s, composed of Ashley Joy Ardeño, Gedrick Angelo Aliponga, Antares Ziggy Cajilig, Margaux Cordero, Karl James Francisco, and Anne Jhelynne Sunico.

The Bronze Tier went to Team Moribang Gang, composed of Ashley Ghayle Galilea, Mar Justine Echalico, Bryant Stefano Embalsado, Aryene Francess Kudera, Andrea Marie Moser, and Maerence Joy Pinongcos.

Science Castle Philippines 2026, organized by Leave a Nest, aims to provide young researchers a platform to present and showcase their work.

This year’s competition drew 89 teams from 24 schools across three participating countries.

The teams were accompanied by their research advisers, Assoc. Prof. Jonny Pornel for Team Cutie-π(s) and Asst. Prof. Myla Fe Pinuela for the rest of the teams. (Antares Ziggy T. Cajilig and Precious Angel Selorio)