Two Grade 12-STEM teams from the University of the Philippines High School in Iloilo (UPHSI) secured top honors at Science Castle Philippines 2026, held at Mapúa University, Intramuros, Manila, from January 17 to 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 ₱10,000 cash prize and free round-trip tickets to Science Castle Asia 2026 to be held in Malaysia.
Meanwhile, Team Bakhawanon, composed of Precious Angel Selorio, James Kaiser Agan, Hans Emmanuel Ebojo, Ma. Graziella Jedee Lagutang, Jayhan Lorin Madarico, and Aitiah Kate Mandar, was one of the six recipients of the Poster Award, earning a ₱3,500 cash prize for their excellence in research communication.
Both teams were also recognized under the Gold Tier, while three other 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, as well as Team InSiliXO’s, composed of Ashley Joy Ardeño, Gedrick Angelo Aliponga, Antares Ziggy Cajilig, Margaux Cordero, Karl James Francisco, and Anne Jhelynne Sunico.
Meanwhile, the Bronze Tier was earned by 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 with a platform to present and showcase their research. This year’s competition gathered 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.
Written by Antares Ziggy T. Cajilig and Precious Angel Selorio
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