As the world grapples with complex challenges—from climate change and food security to disaster resilience—the Philippines is looking to its young minds for solutions.

During the opening of the 2026 National Science and Technology Fair (NSTF) on March 10, Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara called on Filipino learners to take the lead in developing technology-driven innovations that could help drive national progress and address pressing global concerns.

The annual fair, organized by the DepEd, gathers some of the country’s brightest high school researchers and innovators.

This year’s theme, “Harnessing the Unknown: Powering the Future Through Science and Innovation,” highlights the increasing importance of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in shaping the country’s future.

Angara emphasized that today’s learners are not merely students of science—they are potential architects of solutions that could transform industries and communities.

From sustainable energy systems and food production technologies to disaster preparedness tools, he encouraged participants to focus their research on practical innovations that address real-world problems.

“In line with the vision of President Bongbong Marcos to leverage science and technology for a better quality of life, we urge our learners to pioneer solutions that address our most critical national challenges,” Angara said.

“By mastering rapidly evolving technologies today, the Filipino youth serve as the primary architects of a more innovative and resilient Bagong Pilipinas,” he added.

Angara also highlighted the recent international recognition received by learners from Patin-ay National High School in Agusan del Sur, whose research on medicinal plants earned acclaim abroad.

Their success, Angara noted, highlights the growing global competitiveness of Filipino student researchers and the potential of local science education programs to produce world-class innovators.

DepEd noted that the NSTF serves as the Philippines’ premier platform for secondary-level research and innovation in STEM.

More importantly, it also acts as the country’s official qualifying stage for the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)—the world’s largest pre-college science competition.

Students from across the archipelago participate in several competitions and learning events designed to showcase their research and technological creativity.

Among the highlights is the Tuklas (STEM Research Competition), where learners present projects across four major categories: Life Science, Physical Science, Robotics and Intelligent Machines, and Mathematics and Computational Science.

Another major attraction, DepEd said, is the STEM Innovation Expo, where students present market-ready technologies aimed at solving real-world problems such as food safety, water conservation, renewable energy, cybersecurity, and healthcare challenges.

Beyond competitions, DepEd said the fair also promotes collaboration and public engagement in science.

The STEM Academy Conference brings together educators, researchers, and learners to discuss emerging trends in science education and innovation.

Meanwhile, Agham Bayanihan, a community exhibit, enables partner institutions to showcase new technologies and services that benefit communities.

Through these initiatives, DepEd said the NSTF reinforces a broader message: science education is not only about experiments and research papers—it is about empowering young Filipinos to shape the country’s future.

As the country faces increasingly complex challenges, DepEd said the message from the NSTF is clear: the next generation of innovators may already be in the classroom, ready to turn ideas into solutions.