Learners from the University of Northern Philippines College of Teacher Education–Laboratory Schools emerged among the region’s top young innovators after clinching major honors at the STEM Festival 2026 Regional Finals, held on March 6, 2026 at the Philippine Science High School–Ilocos Region Campus (PSHS-IRC). The achievement highlights the students’ excellence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics as they competed against some of the region’s brightest minds.
Demonstrating outstanding ingenuity in science and engineering, Maejin Skye Amores, Dexus Mavvio Pagalanan, and Brittany Cherish Hidalgo clinched the championship title in the Junior Innovators: TechnoPhysics Design Challenge. The team impressed judges with their creativity and technical expertise, ultimately securing first place in the competition.
Beyond their championship victory, the trio also earned special awards for Best in Scientific Explanation and Most Innovative Design, further highlighting the strength of their concept, the clarity of their scientific reasoning, and the originality of their engineering solution.
UNP also demonstrated its strength in chemistry, earning Second Place in “The Last Element Standing: Escape the Lab,” a fast-paced challenge that tested participants’ analytical thinking and mastery of chemical concepts. Representing the university with distinction were John Adrian Ulita, Samantha Erian R. Arguelles, Francess Leia Rabago, Zakiyah Carmel Fonbuena, and Chelsea Coleen Flores, whose teamwork and problem-solving skills enabled them to successfully navigate the competition’s complex scientific puzzles and laboratory-themed challenges.
Both triumphant teams were expertly coached by Mr. John Christian Bagasala. Their success was made possible through the unwavering support of Laboratory Schools Principal Dr. Aurelia Vitamog, CTE Dean Dr. Ma. Teresa Susan Manzano, and the UNP Administration.
Article by John Christian Bagasala
