Honda Cars Philippines named partner in DOST high-school innovation competition

Car companies are often at the forefront of innovation and creative problem-solving.

Whether it’s finding ways to make cars safer or developing zero-emission mobility, firms like Honda Cars rely heavily on science to experiment with new and potentially life-changing ideas.

That’s likely why the Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) tapped Honda Cars Philippines Inc. (HCPI) as a partner for its “imake.wemake:create.innovate.collaborate” innovation competition for senior high-school students.

The signing of the memorandum of agreement between DOST, HCPI and fellow program partners C&E Publishing, Inc. and the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation took place at the Sequoia Hotel in Paranaque City on March 13, 2023.

“Honda Cars is honored to be a part of the imake.wemake program,” said HCPI vice president Louie Soriano.

“What you are doing here truly resonates with us,” he added. “As the students use their creative energies and smart ideas to craft solutions to many of society’s problems, Honda, the Power of Dreams, is unwavering about greater value through superior safety and environmental performance. We appreciate how this program promotes the application of science and technology in creating solutions and pursuing big dreams.”

On the same day, finalists composed of 20 school teams also began their five-day Technical Training, Workshop, and Mentoring. 

Solving community issues

HCPI said in a March 2023 press statement that the competition “fosters creative and innovative thinking among students by enabling them to solve problems of their respective communities or achieve a particular purpose using critical thinking, experimentation, risk analysis, engineering, and technical skills.” 

This year’s contest gathered a total of 89 project proposals from public and private high schools all over the Philippines, the biggest number of proposals received since the program started in 2017. 

Through the partnership, three schools, to be selected by a distinguished Board of Judges, will each receive a Youth Innovation cash grant of ₱200,000. 

This would be after a build period of about 90 days allotted for finalists to design, build and complete their working prototype, including test deployment in their chosen community.

“I believe that through our partnership, more doors of opportunities will be opened, and more young people will be primed to become scientists and innovators – creating and collaborating for a better future,” said DOST-SEI director Josette Biyo.

What issues do you think these young innovators should focus on?

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