Samsung Electronics Philippines Corporation (SEPCO) proudly announced the winners of its first-ever Solve for Tomorrow competition. This global program, designed to empower young innovators, received over 200 entries from Grades 8-10 students of government-managed Science High Schools across the Philippines. The competition aimed to inspire students to devise solutions to societal challenges and become catalysts for positive change in their local communities.
“At Samsung, it is our long-held belief that our company thrives when our employees, partners, and communities thrive. We are committed to empowering communities – now, and for the future. Solve for Tomorrow is a testament to this, which manifests our global CSR vision of ‘Together for Tomorrow! Enabling People.’ It is our goal to always find opportunities to support providing education for future generations, and we want to empower future innovators to achieve their full potential,” according to Min Su Chu, President of SEPCO Philippines.
After a rigorous evaluation process, 10 finalists emerged, and their proposals were further refined through mentorship sessions with representatives from Samsung Philippines. The ultimate test came as the finalists presented their solutions to a distinguished panel of judges. The panel included Monchito Ibrahim, Vice President of the Analytics and Artificial Intelligence Association of the Philippines, and Member of the National Innovation Council; Jaton Zulueta, Founder and Executive Director of AHA Learning Center; Shumate Royo, Growth and Strategy Consultant, Community and Startup Enabler, Program Director, and Non-Profit Advisor; Dr. Ria C. Canlas, Founder of Po Lite Technology, Director of the Center of Innovation at National University, and Executive Member of the National Innovation Council; and Yna Quimson, Head of Corporate Marketing at Samsung Electronics Philippines Corporation.
Grand Prize for Innovative Energy Management Solution
The Grand Prize was awarded to the Philippine Science High School – Cagayan Valley Campus for their project, “Intellimeter – Smart Electric Management System with App Interface.” The team’s innovative solution focused on addressing energy problems by proposing a smart electric management system operated via a user-friendly app. This solution aims to enhance energy efficiency, assist the sector in managing energy deficits, and contribute to climate change mitigation.
The winning team from Cagayan Valley Campus will receive prizes totaling PHP650,000, including tablets and a TV for the school, PHP100,000 for team members, PHP20,000 for the teacher, and Samsung phones and tablets for team members and their teacher.
Second & Third Prize Winners Tackle Environmental Challenges
The second prize was claimed by Bansud NHS – Regional Science High School in Oriental Mindoro, whose project, “Project O.A.S.I.S.: Oil and solid waste Agricultural absorption System with Integrated Solar-power via Filtration Bin Technology,” aimed to create a filtration system to remove oil and microplastics from the ocean.
The third prize went to another team from Philippine Science High School – Cagayan Valley Campus for their project, “TomPost: Agricultural Waste Compost Processor.” This solution addresses agricultural waste by repurposing tomatoes and other agricultural by-products into compost and other useful products.
Recognition for Finalists & Commitment to Positive Change
The remaining seven finalists were also recognized for their outstanding contributions to the competition, each receiving PHP15,000 for their team and PHP5,000 for their teacher.
Since its global launch in 2010, Solve for Tomorrow has empowered over 2 million individuals in more than 50 countries. The program, launched in the Philippines in 2023 with the support of the Department of Education (DepEd) and Department of Science and Technology (DOST), aligns with Samsung’s corporate social responsibility vision of “Together for Tomorrow! Enabling People.” The mission of Solve for Tomorrow is clear: to empower and support the next generation in achieving their full potential and pioneering positive social changes.