Insider Spotlight
The big picture
GBF’s continued support signals sustained private sector investment in STEM talent development, a critical lever for long-term innovation and competitiveness in the Philippines. In a statement on Friday, April 10, 2026, the foundation said it has partnered with DepEd on NSTF since 2018, steadily expanding its contributions beyond funding.
Held March 10 to 13 in Quezon City, the NSTF gathered top student innovators from across the country. GBF recognized eight standout projects, awarding each team four-year STEM college scholarships under its Young Scientist Awards program, alongside cash tokens and medals.
Why it matters
Programs like NSTF serve as early-stage pipelines for high-impact talent. By supporting winners through college and exposure to global competitions, GBF is helping bridge gaps between academic potential and real-world innovation outcomes.
“Innovation begins with curiosity and the courage to keep going despite challenges,” Grace Colet, executive director of GBF, said, emphasizing the long-term societal value of student-led solutions.
By the numbers
Participants represented schools from multiple regions, including NCR, Regions I, II, III, MIMAROPA, Negros Island Region, Region VIII, and Region XII, underscoring nationwide reach and inclusivity in STEM engagement.
Beyond scholarships, GBF has broadened NSTF support through science documentaries, digital platform sponsorship during the pandemic, and funding for international competition participation such as the International Science and Engineering Fair.
The initiative also revived past student projects through short documentaries shared online under #StudentsforScience, amplifying awareness of grassroots, science-based solutions.
The bottom line
GBF’s sustained backing of NSTF highlights a growing ecosystem approach to innovation where education, funding, and visibility converge. As the Philippines looks to strengthen its science and technology capabilities, early and continuous support for young innovators is emerging as a strategic priority.
— Edited by Daxim L. Lucas
