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Mapua engineering student feted in DOST's #PinoyInnovator TikTok tilt

By Manila Bulletin

An engineering student from Mapua University who created a P35 microscope using lenses from a laser, a hairclip, and his mobile phone has emerged as a victor in the Department of Science and Technology’s first-ever #PinoyInnovator TikTok Hashtag Challenge.

The DOST-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD) announced that Jeremy C. de Leon bagged the first and fourth awards in its online social media competition which seeks to inspire Filipinos to pursue science and research.

In a statement, the Council said De Leon, the 2018 recipient of the DOST PCIEERD Young Innovators Program (YIP) , will receive a cash prize amounting to P25,000 for bagging the two awards – P15,000 for his P35 microscope innovation, and P5,000 for his “Flashlight Microscope-Projector.”

Included in the list of winners are the following:

First runner-up: Temperature Check for Door Security by @burtzx

Second runner-up: DIY Fumigator by The Traveller @maf0393

Third runner-up: Loading Tray for Packages by Doc Macoi @universemd

The first runner-up will receive an amount of P15,000 while the second to the fourth runner-up will receive P5,000, respectively, the DOST-PCIEERD said.

Aside from cash prizes, the winners will be given trophies and certificates.

DOST PCIEERD Executive Director Dr. Enrico Paringit commended “amazing ideas and inventions” of the Filipino TikTok creators.

“We have high hopes that more Filipino scientists and researchers, especially the young ones, will continue to take their science journey to make incredible finds, make more discoveries, and achieve significant milestones,” he said.

Kristoffer Rada, TikTok head for Public Policy, expressed hope that more Filpino youth will be inspired to create their own technological innovations.

“TikTok has grown to be a home for a diverse array of creators and we are very pleased on how this competition has highlighted Filipino talents in science and technology. We hope to continually engage this vibrant community,” he said.

“Through the #PinoyInnovator TikTok challenge, a lot of young content creators will be inspired to become innovators who will change the future and make new paths possible,” he added.

The DOST-PCIEERD and TikTok jointly initiated the #PinoyInnovator challenge to promote science, technology, and innovation to the public.