by Karl Vincent S. Mendez


Inventors and innovators in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) once again competed for glory at the 2021 Regional Invention Contest and Exhibits (RICE) in a virtual event co-organized by the Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI) and Department of Science and Technology (DOST) CAR on 22-24 November 2021.

The RICE in CAR revealed the best and the brightest inventions and researchers in the region on 22-24 November 2021

With this year’s theme, “Imbensyon at Inobasyon: Para sa Kalusugan, Kabuhayan, Kaayusan, at Kinabukasan,” DOST-CAR Regional Director Nancy A. Bantog focused on the ability of inventions and innovations in solving the nation’s challenges and propelling socio-economic development.

“With all that we do in science, technology, and innovations in various fields,  we are on the right track of contributing to the improvement of our quality of life today and beyond,” said Dir. Bantog in her welcome remarks.

This year, James P. Solano’s eco-friendly riprap method and innovation took the Unlad Award for Outstanding Utility Model.

Entitled “Geo-bio Method for Soil Stabilization,” this process of riprap utilizes bamboo and compact soil to reduce the use of concrete.

Mr. Solano explained that the use of bamboo secures the structure and absorbs outside forces minimizing the risk of erosion. 

With the seasonal threat of dengue, the Baguio researchers’ “Analysis of Dengue Cases Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS): Evidence from Baguio City, Philippines” won the Likha Award for Outstanding Government-Funded Creative Research.

Using GIS, the team from the University of the Cordilleras noted the research’s possibility in harmonizing existing data to form harder evidence that can help policymakers address the challenges of the dengue virus.

Meanwhile, in response to the call of disaster risk reduction and management, the: GeoCall: Emergency Hotline Application of the University of Cordilleras is the latest Sibol Award for Outstanding College Student Creative Research.

The application automates the process of locating and contacting nearest responders during an emergency by shaking the user’s phone.

Below is the full list of the 2021 RICE Winners in CAR:

Unlad Award for Outstanding Utility Model

  1. First Prize Winner: Geo-bio Method for Soil Stabilization by James P. Solano
  2. Second Prize Winner: Biological Fungicide and Methods for Controlling Fusarium Wilt on Sweetpotato by Teresita D. Masangcay Jophr L. Galian, Cynthia G. Kiswa, Cynthia G. Kiswa Cynthia D. Garambas, and Sherilyn B. Baluro
  3. Third Prize Winner: A Process of Making Powdered Sun-Dried Pork by Cynthia D. Garambas, Sherilyn B. Balauro, Rolando N. Tawano Jr., Charity Joy P. Dulma, and May V. Gumihol

Likha Award for Outstanding Government-Funded Creative Research  

  1. First Prize Winner: Analysis of Dengue Cases Using GIS: Evidence from Baguio City, Philippines by Nathaniel Vincent A. Lubrica, Carlo Jay S. Valdez, Judale W. Quianio, and Ruben I. Rubia
  2. Second Prize Winner: Fermented Heirloom Rice "Binubudan" by Lesley Dale G. Umayat, Norma P. Banania, and Elizabeth T. Dom-ogen
  3. Third Prize Winner: Development of a Garden Tiller Mounted Potato Digger by Maribel M. Jimenez, Chrysler A. Organo, and Leonardo D. Dumalhin

Likha Award for Outstanding Private-Funded Creative Research

  1. First Prize Winner: Modified Bicycle Frame and Drivetrain by Inoc Broncano
  2. Second Prize Winner: A Device Using Flamethrower to Control Soil-borne Insect Pests, Diseases and Weed Control by Philip G. Chan

SIBOL Award for Outstanding College Student Creative Research

  1. First Prize Winner: GeoCall: Emergency Hotline Application by Wyli Charles L. Olivete, Karel Cassandra S. Cruz, and Hannah S. Caranto
  2. Second Prize Winner: Motorized Pulverizer for Dried Cassava and Sweet Potato by Alfredo M. Lagmay, Jr., Rovilyn D. Tulian, and Milagros B. Onalan
  3. Third Prize Winner: Growing Chamber for Oyster Mushroom with Light Emitting Diodes by Jef C. Bangcawaya and Judemy Jillord M. Vergara

Sibol Award for Outstanding High School Student Creative Research

  1. First Prize Winner: Sweet Potato Peelings (Ipomoea batatas) and Lakatan Peelings (Musa acuminata Coli) as a Component in Making Edible Waste Cutlery by : Shyne Jasmin P. Dicam, Shan Jelsey P. Dicam, and Desny Jhill P. Dicam
  2. Second Prize Winner: Treadle Glass Bottle Crusher by Jimber Lee A. Camareg and Nixon Sean L. Labiang
  3. Third Prize WInner: Toys from Scraps by Jay-ar A. Domen

The next RICE will reveal the best and the brightest in Region XIII: Caraga on 07-09 December 2021 and Region II: Cagayan Valley on 14-16 December 2021.

For more information, please contact 8837 2071 locals 2157 and 2167, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..