Honda Cars PH continues to champion young Filipino innovators in DOST-SEI’s 8th imake.wemake competition

PHOTO: Bantayan Science High School.

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For the third year in a row, Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) maintains its partnership with the Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) for the 8^th imake.wemake:create.innovate.collaborate competition.

Through the imake.wemake competition, the DOST-SEI empowers young Filipino innovators to present inventive projects, driven by science, that offer unique solutions to pressing modern problems. HCPI supports the program as it aligns with the Honda Global Brand Slogan, “The Power of Dreams – How We Move You”, which signifies Honda’s commitment to innovation and making a difference in society. 

The 8^th cycle of the project culminated with its Final Presentation and Awarding Ceremony at Ascott Bonifacio Global City in Taguig last April 24-25, 2025. Each of the top 20 participating school teams presented innovative projects, which are fruits of exceptional creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving and collaboration skills. As a testament to Honda’s strong belief in supporting our youth for the future, HCPI sponsored the Youth Innovation Prize (YIP) Award once again, through which three (3) winning schools each receive PHP200,000 cash prize for their innovative solutions and pursuit of their dreams.

Ultimately, the Board of Judges evaluated and awarded the following top three (3) schools with the YIP Award based on novelty and patentability, design and functionality, collaboration, practicability, presentation, and timeliness and adherence:

Bantayan Science High School – Project LUSAI: An IoT-based LiDAR-utilizing Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USV) for Seagrass Mapping and Aquatic Inspections Project LUSAI is a device that utilizes USVs equipped with sensors and AI to monitor seagrass beds, detect underwater trash, and assess water quality. This project will highly benefit marine life as it outperformed the traditional manta tow method with its faster scanning and 3D map processing times. Real-time data for conservation efforts will be readily available to improve marine ecosystem management and protection.

Lala National High School – C.R.A.B.-Tech: Crustacean Robotic Autonomous Baiting Technology C.R.A.B.-Tech is an automated crab-harvesting system designed to enhance efficiency, precision and sustainability in aquaculture. The bait trap system uses sensors and load cell technology to measure the size and weight of mud crabs, ensuring that only market-ready size crabs are harvested. C.R.A.B.-Tech’s focus on preventing the capture of undersized crabs leads to sustainable aquaculture, the preservation of healthy crab populations, and improved economic returns for mud crab farmers in the Philippines.

Rizal National Science High School – Speech-to-Animation Device for Sign Language Inclusivity: Combination of Arduino Technology and Artificial Intelligence for Promotion of Equal Treatment of Deaf Individuals (SALIN) Project SALIN is a wearable assistive device designed to foster inclusive communication for hearing-impaired individuals in the Philippines. The device detects speech, whether in English, Tagalog or both, and interprets information by showing the corresponding Filipino Sign Language (FSL) animated videos on the device’s screen in real time. Students from Rizal National High School were not only able to create an intelligent solution for the hearing-impaired community; more than that, the young innovators made significant contributions that will benefit the Special Needs Education (SNEd) sector — SNEd teachers, hearing families and all government agencies concerning SNEd.

Engr. Mark Kennedy Bantugon, a DOST scholar and award-winning inventor of the Pili Seal, stood before the young innovators as one who was once in their shoes. Driven by scientific curiosity and an unyielding desire to create, he shared the story of the invention that forever changed his life. He concluded by leaving the students with a powerful reflection: “Never underestimate the power of humble beginnings. From small starts come great things, if you dare to keep building.”

Honda has always been driven to realize the power of dreams. No matter the challenge, Honda strives to turn bold ideas into reality. Thus, as times change and the needs of the nation evolve, Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. remains committed to supporting initiatives that empower the youth and embody “The Power of Dreams – How We Move You.”

Visit https://global.honda/en/philanthropy/youth_for_the_future/ to learn more about Honda’s initiatives to support the youth.