Four teams from the College of Computer Studies (CCS) of Mindoro State University (MinSU) emerged among the top winners in the HANDA MIMAROPA Resilience Innovation Challenge 2026, with the university securing the championship, second place, and two provincial qualifier slots in the competition.
Spearheaded by the Provincial Innovation Hubs (iHUBs) and the MIMAROPA Ventures and Innovation Network (MVINet),the competition served as a platform for students to develop and pitch transformative science and technology-driven solutions for disaster resilience, climate adaptation, and sustainable development.
The championship team, composed of Jan Selvister Montoya, Danilyn Nibot, and Mark Angelo Oprido, won the provincial competition for their innovation proposal titled HydRoute: Automated Micro-Climate Rainwater Harvesting and Dynamic Quality Routing System.
Another MinSU team composed of Leah Mae H. Abela and Daryl J. Bacongco finished as second placer with their proposal, FarmMind: An AI-Driven Digital Twin Decision Support Platform for Climate-Resilient Crop Production and Sustainable Food Security.
Two additional MinSU teams also qualified for the regional competition. The first team was composed of Cymund Alfred R. Cuasay, Rijan R. Palomera, and Daryl J. Bacongco, while the second team was composed of Cristopher Carl G. Consigo, Prinz Keanne Escototo, and Rijan R. Palomera.
All four teams were mentored by Dr. John Edgar S. Anthony, dean of the College of Computer Studies, who served as adviser throughout the competition.
The HANDA MIMAROPA Resilience Innovation Challenge 2026 aims to encourage students to develop innovative and practical solutions that strengthen disaster preparedness and climate resilience through science, technology, and innovation.
Participants presented proposals under key themes including hydrometeorological hazards, agricultural and food security resilience, coastal and marine resilience, geological hazard preparedness, climate change adaptation and environmental management, and science and technology for disaster risk reduction.
The provincial pitching competition, held virtually on July 30, 2026, brought together student innovators from across Oriental Mindoro to present their ideas before a panel of evaluators from the science and technology sector.
With their victory, the champion team earned the right to represent Oriental Mindoro at the Regional Final Pitching Competition during the Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) in Odiongan, Romblon this coming August 17, 2026.
“We are proud of what our students have achieved in this competition. Their success reflects the kind of education we nurture at MinSU - one that values innovation, critical thinking, and using technology to create solutions that help make our communities more resilient and prepared for the future,” Dr. Anthony said.
As climate risks and disaster-related challenges continue to confront communities across the MIMAROPA region, the success of MinSU’s young innovators underscores the power of education, technology, and collaboration in shaping a more resilient and sustainable future. (jdtdc)
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