Saint Louis University (SLU), through its Research, Innovation, and Sustainable Extension (RISE) Center, and the Department of Science and Technology – Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI) co-hosted the 5th edition of the Gawad Alunig x Dalumat Pocket Launch held on 7 October 2026 at the American Corner, Msgr. Charles Vath Library, SLU Main Campus.
The event was attended by participants from the programs of Communication, Industrial Engineering, Electronics, and Marketing from the School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA), School of Engineering and Architecture (SEA, and the School of Accountancy, Management, Computing and Information Studies (SAMCIS), respectively.
With the theme “Activating Innovations from Within,” the campaign encouraged participants to tell fact-based, engaging stories about local innovations. It also highlighted Filipino ingenuity and encouraged students to use creativity and technology to address real-world challenges.
Laarni Natividad, PhD, RISE Center Research Capacitation and Services Officer, delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the importance of ideas and innovation, while Jules Philip Tillay, DOST-TAPI IMPAKT Unit Writer.
DOST-TAPI representatives explained how GAxD evolved from a science journalism contest into a creative marketing and short-form video challenge. The fifth edition retains its focus on 30- to 60-second advertisements featuring technologies beyond mainstream awareness and highlighting the “Diwa ng Pagiging Pilipino”, or the Filipino spirit. The participants were encouraged to participate, with the submission deadline set for 5 November 2026.
The event featured four back-to-back innovation pitches from SLU teams. ZeoSkin Technology presented a proposed zeolite-based solution to address indoor environmental concerns, while KASAMA introduced a holistic, home-based wellness and caregiving concept for older adults. Sprout and Scoops showcased creative ways to transform surplus Benguet vegetables into desserts, including vegetable-based gelato and other snack products. Meanwhile, Cyber Axxol presented assistive technology concepts involving neurosensor 3D-printed robotic arms designed to support amputees and people with limb loss. The pitches demonstrated how student-led ideas can connect technology, community needs, and sustainability.
To conclude the activity, 65 students participated in a hands-on elevator-pitch exercise divided into eight groups. Each group worked on short-form advertising pitches for Gawad Alunig and developed creative briefs for Gawad Dalumat.
Through the launch and workshop, DOST-TAPI equipped students in communicating their innovations effectively and develop ideas that reflect Filipino identity while addressing societal problems and challenges. Awards and closing remarks were given by DOST-TAPI Senior Science Research Specialist, Atty. Marvin Eric Dela Cruz, before a quick photo opportunity with all those present.
This activity directly aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by empowering students to market local, fact-based technologies—such as upcycling surplus Benguet vegetables into food products. Additionally, through youth-led initiatives like neurosensor robotic arms for amputees and zeolite-based environmental solutions, the event advances Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).
By fostering multi-sector collaboration between academia and government through DOST-TAPI and SLU, the initiative exemplifies Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) in translating regional ingenuity into actionable, community-focused solutions. (Article by Joey Glemao, SLU RISE Center Intern | Photos By: Margareth Galuba, SLU RISE Center Intern)
