Two teams with student innovators from the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) were recognized as co-recipients of the prestigious Gawad Pangulo sa Natatanging Inobasyon ng Mag-aaral 2025, a system-wide search for outstanding innovation projects across the UP constituent universities. The awarding ceremony was held at the Atencio-Libunao Hall, UP Diliman, celebrating creativity, collaboration, and impact-driven innovation.
Watch! Tap! Shop!
One of the award-winning innovations, Watch! Tap! Shop!, was a collaborative project between students from UPOU and UP Diliman. The team includes Rajan Joaquin Llaguno (UPOU), Erickson Llaguno (UPD), Anna Porsche Gutierrez (UPOU), and Jordan Rae Costanilla (UPOU), mentored by Dr. Dave Centeno, Professor of Marketing at the UP Diliman Virata School of Business.
The innovation presents an interactive product placement model that transforms passive viewers into potential consumers by enabling tap-based engagement directly from video content. This model unlocks powerful insights for brands, generates new revenue streams for digital platforms, and enhances audience experiences, empowering viewers through technology-enhanced media consumption.
Ilaya’t Ilawod
Also recognized was the team behind Ilaya’t Ilawod, a collaborative innovation by students from UP Visayas and UPOU. The team includes Czar Ian Esquivel, a Master of Development Communication student from UPOU, alongside UP Visayas students Ande Bryle Genciana, Lyny Giovy Cainglet, and Aienna Faith Guerra. They were mentored by Dr. Sanny David Lumayno and Asst. Prof. Fredson Huervana of UP Visayas.
The project features the UPV SpiN XX tilapia, a breakthrough hybrid tilapia strain that addresses critical challenges in aquaculture, including broodstock management efficiency, delays in manual sex sorting, and the shortage of female broodstock. The innovation aims to support more sustainable fish farming practices in the Philippines, particularly in upstream and downstream aquaculture communities—thus the name Ilaya’t Ilawod.
These recognitions reflect UPOU’s growing role in inter-university collaboration and innovation for impact, affirming its commitment to empowering students to contribute meaningfully to society through technology, sustainability, and inclusive development.
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