The University of Northern participated at the 2025 National Innovation Day, organized by the National Innovation Council (NIC) under the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (formerly NEDA). The event, held at Novotel Manila Araneta City from April 28 to 30, 2025, gathered the country’s brightest young innovators and educators.
On the first day, the UNP team, represented by Frenzy Dale Pagdato a third year BS Accountancy student and Alberto Pacano, BS Entrep fourth year, bith from the College of Business Administration and Accountancy, with their Coach Aristotle Piamonte and Dr. Eileen Rose Paculan as their mentor. participated in the Huddle, Analyze, Build, and Innovate (HABI) Workshop-a uniquely Filipino design-thinking activity dedicated to stimulating the creativity and problem-solving skills of the youth. The workshop challenged participants to develop innovative solutions to pressing social issues, fostering collaboration and ingenuity among students and faculty from across the Philippines.
On the following days, the UNP team joined the Filipinnovation – NCR National Competition, which is part of the broader Filipinnovation Awards. This annual event, spearheaded by the NIC and NEDA, aims to promote early-stage commercialization, connect innovators with stakeholders, and foster a culture of innovation in the Philippines. The competition focuses on transformative solutions in areas such as education, health, and agribusiness, with finalists gaining access to grants, mentorship, and national recognition.
The NIC is the country’s highest policy-making body for innovation, established under Republic Act No. 11293 (Philippine Innovation Act). It is responsible for setting the nation’s innovation agenda, managing funding, and coordinating programs to drive inclusive and sustainable development. The council’s initiatives, including the HABI Workshop and Filipinnovation Awards, are designed to empower Filipino innovators and support the country’s long-term innovation strategy.
By reaching the finals and actively participating in these national events, UNP has demonstrated its leadership in innovation and its dedication to developing solutions that address real-world challenges. The university’s success is a testament to the talent and creativity of its students and faculty, and its ongoing contribution to shaping a smarter, more innovative Philippines.
Article by Rocelle Villanueva, Photo by Eileen Rose Paculan.
