United in STEM: The Inaugural Science Castle Philippines
METRO MANILA, Philippines, 18 January 2025 – Science Castle Philippines (SCPH) made a remarkable debut which brought together 192 attendees from 38 schools, 35 local and 3 international, at the Ateneo de Manila University. This inaugural event marked a significant milestone for Leave a Nest Philippines in its mission to establish Science Castles globally to serve as centers of innovation. More than just an event, SCPH fostered the formation of meaningful connections amongst like-minded and passionate individuals, paving the way for fresh ideas capable of driving positive change.
An inclusive and interdisciplinary research exhibition, SCPH 2025 opened with warm welcoming remarks from Dr. Yevgeny Aster Dulla, followed by an orientation delivered by Mr. Edriel Lee, both of which set the tone for an exciting day of collaborative learning. Dr. Anthony Bautista then delivered an inspiring keynote on how science and technology can uplift Filipino communities. Emphasizing the transformative role of STEM, he cited his personal experiences in developing inventions to aid rice farmers, thus reinforcing the program's theme.
From left to right: Mr. Lee leads the orientation, Dr. Bautista delivers the keynote address, and Dr. Dulla offers the opening remarks
Held at the Rizal Mini Theater, the morning session featured the Ki Ni Naru Final Presentations, where participating high school students showcased their research projects developed over four months of training. Rooted in curiosity, their work served as a strong reminder to other attendees of the essence of scientific inquiry—an unrelenting drive to decipher the mysteries of natural phenomena. (For more details, check out the Ki Ni Naru news release).
A Ki Ni Naru student shares about their research project
In the afternoon, the spotlight shifted to the young researchers of Science Castle Philippines, who presented their studies tackling pressing national issues under the NEST categories—nature, engineering, science, and technology. The Oral Presentations featured four exceptional teams who showcased their research works on firefly diversity, biocompatible arterial scaffolds, corrosion protection, and eco-friendly fabric care alternatives. After each oral presentation, a question-and-answer session facilitated insightful and fruitful discussions with the judges. This was followed by the Splash Presentations, a dynamic preview of research by selected poster presenters, building anticipation for the upcoming Poster Presentation session.
From left to right: An Oral Presenter delivers their research, and a Poster Presenter engages in the Splash Presentation
Moving to the Colayo Pavillon, the poster session gathered participants for discussions, potential collaborations, and mentorship opportunities. As part of the afternoon’s diverse lineup of sessions, a parallel session for teachers and students further enriched their experience. At the Rizal Mini Theater, teachers attended a special session by Focus Systems Corporation, where Mr. Ryo Inori introduced their Beacon and Kotchi app technologies, and tackled their potential applications in the classroom. A panel discussion ensued as the roles of startup innovations in enhancing student learning were discussed. Meanwhile, students joined hands-on workshops on basic electronics with Philippine Coding Camp, electrochemistry with Azumi Filter Paper Co., Ltd., and SPACEBLOCK programming with AVAD K.K.
Poster Presenters entertain queries from judges
Mr. Inori engages teachers in discussions about their technology
Philippine Coding Camp conducts a basic electronics workshop focused on building a working amplifier
AVAD K.K. provides SPACEBLOCK modules to help students learn basic programming
Azumi Filter Paper Co. Ltd. demonstrates electrochemistry principles via their water light
The event concluded with the recognition of five outstanding research teams who were honored for their innovativeness, passion, research design, and growth potential. The awardees are as follows:
| Award Category | Presenter Code & Affiliated School | Research Title |
| Grand Winner Award | O-02E Bansud National High School – Regional Science High School for MIMAROPA | Development and Characterization of a Silk Fibroin-Chitosan-Agar-Polyvinyl Alcohol (SCAP) Composite Hydrogel for Arterial Scaffold Applications and Its Mechanical Properties and Biocompatibility |
| Best Poster Award | P-06E Bansud National High School – Regional Science High School for MIMAROPA | Pellicleanse: Nano TiO₂-Loaded Bacterial Cellulose Pellicle for Heavy Metal and Oil Contaminated Water Filtration |
| Focus Systems Award | P-03N Trece Martires City National High School | Molluscicidal Activity of Akapulko (Cassia alata) Ethanolic Leaves Extract Against Golden Apple Snails (Pomacea canaliculata) |
| Special Poster Award | P-04N University of the Philippines High School in Iloilo | In silico Screening of Selected Aratiles (Muntingia calabura L.) Flavonoids as Potential Anti-angiogenic Agents |
| P-12S Bansud National High School – Regional Science High School for MIMAROPA | Antiurolithiatic Potential of Ardisia elliptica Using Synthesized Aggregated Kidney Stones Tested via Nucleation Assay-In-vitro and In-Silico Molecular Docking of Its Alpha-amyrin for Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease | |
| P-21S Naguilian National High School | The Health-O-Matic: PET Repurposing as Filament and Thread Innovation |
Top, from left to right: Special Poster Awardees P-04N University of the Philippines High School in Iloilo, P-12S Bansud National High School – Regional Science High School for MIMAROPA, and P-21S Naguilian National High School
Bottom: Best Poster Awardee P-06E Bansud National High School – Regional Science High School for MIMAROPA
Focus Systems Awardee P-03N Trece Martires City National High School
Grand Winner Awardee O-02E Bansud National High School – Regional Science High School for MIMAROPA
Leave a Nest Philippines offers its sincerest gratitude to all participants, partners, and supporters for making the inaugural Science Castle Philippines a resounding success. This shared triumph marks a step toward empowering the youth as drivers of positive change. Special thanks are extended to the main partners—Focus Systems Corporation, AVAD K.K., and Azumi Filter Paper Co., Ltd.—as well as the strategic partners—Philippine Coding Camp, Ateneo de Manila University, and the Ateneo Intellectual Property Office.
More than just a one-day event, Science Castle Philippines served, and will continue to serve, as a catalyst for a growing community of young researchers, where they exchanged knowledge with experts and connected with peers. By continuously strengthening and expanding this network, Leave a Nest reaffirms its commitment to empowering the next generation for a brighter future.
As SCPH continues to grow, the initiative calls for the support of more Philippine companies that share this belief in the youth and the advocacy of empowering STEM education in the country. From companies with strong research and development interests to academic institutions and organizations, Leave a Nest is actively seeking partnerships to further this cause.
Do you want to be a part of Science Castle Philippines 2026 on 17 January 2026? Stay updated by following the Leave a Nest Group Facebook at fb.me/LNEST.Global
Can’t wait for the next SCPH? Experience Science Castle Singapore 2025 and continue your journey of discovery! Learn more at s-castle.com/schedule/science-castle-in-singapore-2025/