RICE Recognizes MIMAROPA Inventors
by: Heidecel M. Serrano and Ma. Josefina P. Abilay, DOST-MIMAROPA

As part of the Regional Science and Technology Week (RSTW) celebration, the Regional Invention Contest and Exhibits (RICE) was held at the Virginia Centurione Bracelli School in Odiongan, Romblon last August 15-17 to recognize inventors in the MIMAROPA region.
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), through the Technology Application and Promotion Institute (TAPI) and the DOST-MIMAROPA, spearheaded the event with the aim to encourage and motivate not just local but also young inventors. There are four categories in the competition. These include Outstanding Utility Model (UM), Outstanding Creative Research (LIKHA), Outstanding Student Creative Research for College (SIBOL-College), and the Outstanding Student Creative Research for High School (SIBOL-HS).

A total of 71 entries participated in this year’s RICE: two (2) entries vied for the Utility Model, 15 entries for LIKHA, 14 entries for the SIBOL-College, and 40 entries for the SIBOL-HS category. Among these entries, two (2) were from Occidental Mindoro, 40 were from Oriental Mindoro, nine (9) were from Marinduque, 19 were from Romblon, and one (1) entry was from Palawan. An estimate of 150 delegates, including the school advisers/teachers, attended during the first/ opening day, 129 during the second day, and 143 during the last day/ awarding.
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Dr. Bilshan Servañez of RSU presents his invention, Bamboo Connectors, to the judges |
The panel of judges was composed of representatives from the DOST- Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD), the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPO), and from the DOST-Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC).
Winners were awarded during the last day of the event. The awarding ceremony was presided by DOST-MIMAROPA staff, Ms. Jelyn Doctor. Prizes were handed to the winners by the judges, and DOST-MIMAROPA Regional Director Dr. Ma. Josefina P. Abilay.
Winners per category were as follows:
Category: Utility Model (UM)
Title of entry | Researcher/ Inventor/s | School/ Institution | |
Regional Winner | Process of Making Rice Straw Geotextile Mat | Rolando P. Javellonar | Romblon State University |
1st Runner Up | – | – | – |
2nd Runner up | – | – | – |
Category: Outstanding Creative Research (LIKHA)
Title of Entry | Researcher/ Inventor/s | School/ Institution | |
Regional Winner | Development of Stingless Propolis Jam | Ronie F. Magsino
Polemer M. Cuarto |
Mindoro State College of Agriculture and Technology |
1st Runner Up | Development of Bamboo Connectors | Bilshan F. Servañez | Romblon State University |
2nd Runner Up | Development of Guyabano Leaves Extract Tea Powder | Mario A. De Castro
Ronie F. Magsino Polemer M. Cuarto |
Mindoro State College of Agriculture and Technology |
Category: Outstanding Student Creative Research- College (SIBOL-College)
Title of Entry | Researcher/ Inventor/s | School/ Institution | |
Regional Winner | Development of Interactive Nursery Rhymes with Sign Language Application | Orland Anne S. De Ocampo | Occidental Mindoro State College |
1st Runner Up | – | – | – |
2nd Runner Up | Development of Flavored Fish Paste Powder | Kristine Dianne M. Ponce
Judy Ann C. Coz Erika L. Pacia |
Mindoro State College of Agriculture and Technology |
Category: Outstanding Student Creative Research- High School (SIBOL-HS)
Title of Entry | Researcher/ Inventor/s | School/ Institution | |
Regional Winner | CHIFFING: Chaff Intermediate Flour in Fighting Nutritional Gap | Neil Ian V. Magalang
Richa Ella Mae R. Ogbac Franklin U. Razon |
Bansud National High School- Regional Science High School for MIMAROPA |
1st Runner Up | I HEAR U ANDROID Application with Speak Function | Marian Elaine R. De Chavez | Bansud National High School- Regional Science High School for MIMAROPA |
2nd Runner Up | Artificial Coral Reefs Aggregated with Corn Cobs, Egg Shells, Peanut Shells, and Coconut Peduncle for Fish and Guava Branches as Artificial Spawning for Sepia Squid | Anhiro Prince I. Rodriguez | Marinduque National High School |

Winners received a certificate of recognition, a token and a cash prize. The regional winners of each category will advance to the National Invention Contest and Exhibits (NICE) which will be held next year.