In a world driven by science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, or STEM, education must evolve beyond books and lectures. The Department of Science and Technology - Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) is leading this transformation by providing young Filipinos with hands-on, creative, and impactful learning experiences. Their 2025 lineup of STEM competitions for high school students proves that science isn’t just a subject—it’s a way to change the world.
These competitions are more than academic contests—they're national platforms for innovation, creativity, and social impact. Here's what the future of Philippine STEM education looks like in 2025:
Click here to read the DepEd advisory: https://www.deped.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/A_s2025_090.pdf
🎬 1. Indie-Siyensya: Science Comes to Life Through Film (March–November 2025)
Science and storytelling come together in the 9th Indie-Siyensya Filmmaking Competition, where young filmmakers across the Philippines are invited to explore science through the lens of cinema. This is not your typical science fair—this competition gives students the freedom to direct, shoot, and edit short films that highlight scientific concepts, environmental challenges, or health awareness, all while sparking conversations that matter.
By using film as a medium, the competition fosters both creative expression and scientific literacy, showing that science is deeply human and worth sharing with the world. Whether it’s about climate change, pandemic response, or local discoveries, every story has the power to influence minds.
📧 Email: indiesiyensya@sei.dost.gov.ph
📱 Facebook: facebook.com/dostseiindiesiyensya
CLICK HERE FOR DETAILED MECHANICS AND MORE
🤖 2. imake.wemake: Where Innovation Meets Social Impact (April–December 2025)
The 9th imake.wemake: create, innovate, collaborate competition is one of DOST-SEI’s flagship programs, designed to empower high school students to tackle real-world problems using technology. Participants form teams to create solutions using accessible technologies such as microcontrollers, sensors, and open-source platforms.
The goal? To design prototypes that address community issues like disaster preparedness, smart agriculture, health access, or environmental protection. Unlike one-time projects, these innovations are judged for their feasibility, creativity, and potential long-term benefits.
This competition teaches students how to think like engineers and act like entrepreneurs, preparing them for real-world problem-solving and teamwork in the tech industry.
🔗 Shortcut link for mechanics: tinyurl.com/ninthimwm
📧 Email: imake.wemake@sei.dost.gov.ph
📱 Facebook: facebook.com/imake.wemake
⚙️ 3. Tagsisang Robotics: Girls and Gears (Sept–Oct 2025 & March 2026)
Last but definitely not least, the Tagsisang Robotics: Girls and Gears program is a robotics competition designed to develop the next generation of Filipino tech leaders—especially encouraging female participation in the field. While the event is open to all, it specifically aims to increase the number of girls and women in robotics, programming, and information and communication technology (ICT).
The competition follows a mentorship-based model, helping students not just learn the tech, but also build confidence, leadership, and innovation skills. It’s about creating equal opportunities in STEM, while promoting national pride through collaborative tech development.
📧 Email: jsjavier@sei.dost.gov.ph
📱 Facebook: facebook.com/tagsisangrobotics
CLICK HERE TO READ THE MECHANICS
🌐 STEM for All: Why These Competitions Matter
Each of these programs reflects DOST-SEI’s commitment to making STEM inclusive, accessible, and engaging for Filipino youth. By blending science with filmmaking, hardware innovation, and robotics, students are offered diverse pathways to explore their interests and talents.
These national competitions:
-
Help students gain practical skills and real-world experience
-
Promote collaboration and innovation
-
Strengthen science communication
-
Encourage gender diversity and inclusivity in tech fields
More than prizes and medals, the true reward is the impact students can make in their communities and beyond.
📌 How Schools Can Get Involved
Participation in these programs is voluntary, and schools are encouraged to support students in these enriching experiences. Full details, deadlines, and competition mechanics are available on the official DOST-SEI website.
Don't miss this chance to let your students discover their potential in science and technology, while gaining national recognition and life-changing experiences.