Six students from Gattaran, Cagayan win Top Honors at International Creativity and Innovation Awards 2026 in Cambodia

Gattaran, Cagayan – Six young innovators from Gattaran, Cagayan brought pride to the province by showcasing their excellence in research and innovation at the International Creativity and Innovation Awards (ICIA) 2026, held in Cambodia from April 24 to 27.

ICIA is an annual international platform for young innovators, educators, and start-ups worldwide, aimed at nurturing scientific knowledge and creativity while promoting global awareness through real-world applications of science and technology.

This year’s event was held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, with more than 430 participants from over 20 countries. Among them were Yvonne Miles Hilary Cerdeñola, Pearl Shannel Dela Rosa, Dezireij Loraine Tan, Ryne Franzjnric Fariñas, Galileo Marphy Agustin, and Franches Eira Lacerona from Calaoagan Dakkel National High School.

During the competition, the OVO-AI project by Cerdeñola, Dela Rosa, and Tan stood out and was awarded the Titanium Award, one of the highest honors at ICIA. The team also received a scholarship grant for undergraduate or master’s studies at the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) in Vietnam.

Meanwhile, the BIOREMEDYS project by Fariñas, Agustin, and Lacerona earned the Gold Award and the Special Community Award in the Innovation Challenge category.

In an interview with Guru Press via Facebook Messenger, Coach Aguilor explained the significance of both projects, emphasizing their potential to address real-world problems through innovative, science-based solutions.

“The OVO-AI project explores anti-angiogenesis as a potential approach in cancer research by studying how natural compounds from oregano leaf oil may help inhibit tumor growth by blocking blood vessel formation… while for BioRemedyS, it is a bioremediation-inspired system designed to address pollution by identifying local organisms that can break down waste, particularly plastics, while using technology to guide and monitor the process,” said Aguilor.

Aguilor also shared the challenges and lessons from their journey in the competition.

“Ang pinakamahalagang aral na natutunan ko ay ang kahalagahan ng pagsasama ng innovation at purpose… Natutunan ko rin na ang research ay puno ng trials, errors, at adjustments, at maraming kakaharaping balakid tulad ng pondo para ito ay ganap na matapos,” she added.

She also advised aspiring researchers to remain curious, make use of available resources, and learn from failures, noting that even small problems can lead to meaningful solutions.