Three students of the Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Studies (BAMS) Program under the Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS) of the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) secure an initial grant of Php 120,000 as one of the first-round recipients of the prestigious Gawad Pangulo sa Natatanging Inobasyon ng Mag-aaral. The team is led by Rajan Joaquin Llaguno, with Anna Porsche Gutierrez, Jordan Rae Costanilla–all from the UPOU BAMS Program, alongside Erickson Llaguno. They are mentored by Dr. Dave Centeno, PhD Program Director at the UP Diliman Virata School of Business.
The project, Watch! Tap! Shop! is a notable student-led innovation that revolutionizes product placement by enabling seamless, clickable, and consumer-empowered interactions in digital content. With its novel approach to merging technology and consumer behavior, the project stands out as a model of socially-conscious design and creative excellence.
The Gawad Pangulo program recognizes student innovators who dare to imagine bold, transformative solutions for society. As grant finalists, Team Watch! Tap! Shop! will move forward to the final pitch round in June 2025, where they stand a chance to be named one of the Top 3 National Winners.
This is not just a win for the team, but a proud moment for the entire UPOU community. Padayon!
Written by Rajan Llaguno | Edited by Joy Abigail Rebulanan