In 2023, the Philippines ignited a spark in its future with the launch of its first-ever Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition. This marked a significant step forward for the nation’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, as over 200 high school entries poured in from across the country.

The competition demonstrated Filipino students’ dedication to harnessing technology and creativity to address pressing societal issues. Participants themselves emphasized the platform’s role in fostering innovation and collaboration, stating, “Solve for Tomorrow allows us to unleash our creativity and develop solutions that resonate with our communities and beyond.”

The inaugural competition witnessed teams presenting diverse digital solutions aimed at tackling urgent environmental challenges.

Empowering Filipino Homes

High school students from the Cagayan Valley Campus of Philippine Science High School embarked on a mission to enhance national household safety. Their project, “Intellimeter: A Smart Electric Management System with App Interface,” aimed to address the prevalent concerns of rising energy consumption and costs, alongside the alarming rate of house fires caused by unattended plugged appliances.

“Intellimeter is a smart electronic management system integrated with a user-friendly app,” explained team member Ethan Marc L. Bautista. “It can be seamlessly incorporated into any building’s distribution panel. Once connected to the grid, the built-in AI suggests strategies for saving electricity.”

Expressing their gratitude for Solve for Tomorrow, the team shared, “The journey, from brainstorming to creating a prototype, presented valuable learning experiences. We aspire to take this project even further, making it accessible to a wider audience.”

Innovative Solutions for a Cleaner Future

Teams across the nation presented inventive approaches to environmental preservation. A team from Mindoro Island tackled plastic waste and oil spills with their project, “O.A.S.I.S.: Oil and Solid Waste Agricultural Absorption System with Integrated Solar-powered Filtration Bin Technology.” Recognizing the hardships faced by locals and fishermen, they focused on developing a filtration system to remove oil and microplastics from the ocean, fostering a cleaner environment for communities reliant on marine resources.

Similarly, students from Nueva Vizcaya introduced “TomPost: Agricultural Waste Compost Processor” to combat the challenge of agricultural waste. By transforming excess tomatoes and other farm byproducts into valuable compost, the project not only addressed waste management concerns but also empowered farmers to minimize losses and maximize profits.

Despite their diverse approaches, all teams shared a profound commitment to understanding their communities’ needs and building a better future. They highlighted the transformative power of creativity in promoting environmental stewardship and community resilience. “Throughout Solve for Tomorrow,” they shared, “we strengthened our bond with both society and our team, working hand-in-hand towards a shared goal. If you share this passion, we urge you to join the Solve for Tomorrow journey.”