The International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA) proudly reaffirmed its commitment to fostering global innovation by supporting the National Invention Contest and Exhibits (NICE 2026) in the Philippines, one of the country’s most prestigious platforms for recognizing outstanding inventions and creative research.

Organized by the Department of Science and Technology – Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI), NICE 2026 culminated in a Presidential Awards Ceremony held at Malacañang Palace, highlighting innovations with strong potential for real-world impact and global competitiveness. The event gathered leading Filipino inventors, researchers, and innovators whose work addresses pressing societal and industrial challenges.

At NICE 2026, the IFIA-recognized innovators represented a diverse range of breakthrough solutions across agriculture, health, engineering, and advanced science demonstrating the strength of Filipino innovation.

IFIA’s International Recognition and Awards

In line with its mission to promote innovation worldwide, IFIA extended its official support to NICE 2026 and, under the directive of the IFIA President, awarded five (5) IFIA International Awards to selected top innovators.

As part of this recognition, IFIA also issued official IFIA INV (Inventor) Certificates, free of charge, to the award recipients. These certificates represent internationally recognized credentials that validate the inventors’ achievements and strengthen their position within the global innovation ecosystem.

SIBOL Award (College Level) – Student Creative Research

Innovation: I-Count: Artificial Intelligence Optical Chick Counting Device for Quantifying Chicks During Unloading Operations
An AI-powered optical system designed to automate and accurately count chicks during unloading in poultry operations, significantly reducing manual errors and improving efficiency.

Inventors:
Bennet Jillian B. Fabrigas
Allen Joy P. Parreno
John Oscar E. Sta. Ana
Mikkaella O. Nadales
John Keci Rebadomia
Paul Kennith Marasigan
Paul Richard Villason

LIKHA Award (Government-Funded) – Creative Research

Innovation: Point-of-Care (On-Site) African Swine Fever Virus Detection System
A portable diagnostic solution enabling rapid, on-site detection of African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV), supporting faster disease control and biosecurity in the livestock sector.

Inventors:
Reneelyn E. Danganan-Cutab
John Paulo G. Jose
Sheila D. Mantaring
Zafia A. Aborot
Janella C. Manlutac
Dianne Marie C. Bantola
Arnie O. Dimaano
Phillipe Ira M. Balilla
Romarico M. Bassig Jr.

Industrial Design Award – Outstanding Industrial Design

Innovation: Multi-grain Precision Seeder with Fertilizer Applicator
An advanced agricultural machine designed to enhance precision planting across multiple grain types while simultaneously applying fertilizer, improving efficiency and yield.

Inventor:
Delfin C. Cuevas Jr.

TUKLAS Award (Government-Funded) – Outstanding Invention

Innovation: Multi-shell Neutron Spectrometer (MuNS)
A high-precision instrument developed for neutron radiation measurement and spectrum analysis, supporting scientific and industrial applications.

Inventors:
Arvie J. Asuncion-Astronomo
Frederick C. Hila
Cheri Anne M. Dingle
Charlotte V. Balderas
Rafael Miguel M. Dela Cruz
Neil Raymund D. Guillermo

TUKLAS Award (Private-Funded) – Outstanding Invention

Innovation: DEMOLLUSCUM Herbal Cream using Cashew Nut Oil Extract
A plant-based dermatological formulation developed for the safe and effective treatment of Molluscum Contagiosum and related skin conditions.

Inventors:
Rommel B. Dela Cruz
Richard B. Dela Cruz
Lorena Dela Cruz-Chiu

All winners received IFIA awards. Moreover, they were granted the IFIA INV title in recognition of their innovative contributions and international potential.

IFIA’s collaboration with DOST-TAPI reflects a shared vision of enabling innovators to move beyond national boundaries and access global opportunities. By recognizing excellence through international awards and certifications, IFIA contributes to enhancing visibility, facilitating partnerships, and supporting the commercialization of breakthrough technologies.

NICE 2026 showcased a diverse range of innovations from agricultural solutions and industrial designs to advanced scientific instruments and student-led technologies demonstrating the Philippines’ growing capacity to contribute to the global innovation landscape.

The integration of IFIA International Awards within NICE 2026 highlights the importance of aligning national innovation ecosystems with global benchmarks. Through internationally recognized certifications and validation mechanisms, IFIA ensures that outstanding inventions are not only acknowledged locally but are also positioned for international recognition and collaboration.

This approach strengthens the credibility of innovators, enhances their readiness for global competitions and exhibitions, and creates new pathways for cross-border cooperation, investment, and technology transfe

Through continued partnerships with national institutions, IFIA remains dedicated to empowering inventors worldwide, promoting excellence, and building bridges between local innovation ecosystems and the international stage.

The recognition of Filipino innovators at NICE 2026 stands as a testament to the transformative power of ideas when supported by strong institutions and global collaboration.