The Department of Science and Technology–Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI) successfully concluded the 4th edition of Gawad Alunig x Dalumat (GAxD) 2025, recognizing Filipino creatives who transformed grassroots innovation stories into compelling visual narratives that promote locally-developed technologies. The awarding ceremony was held during the 39th Anniversary Celebration of DOST-TAPI on January 30, 2026, at The Manila Hotel, Metro Manila, gathering innovators, creatives, partners, and stakeholders from across the country.
DOST-TAPI’s GAxD 2025 marked a strategic shift from science citizen journalism to science visual storytelling. The campaign leveraged short-form video advertising and photo essay features to connect Filipino innovations with wider audiences. Beyond recognizing creative excellence, the campaign served as a platform for the Institute to scout potential technology proponents who may qualify for DOST-TAPI’s programs and services.
2025 Gawad Alunig x Dalumat Awardees
The 4th edition of GAxD drew nearly 200 submissions from Filipino creatives nationwide. Following the verification and quality auditing process, 5 entries were proclaimed as grand finalists for Gawad Alunig from 70 total submissions, with 40 shortlisted, while 5 entries were also named grand finalists for Gawad Dalumat from 93 total submissions, with 43 shortlisted.
The following table presents the 2025 Gawad Alunig x Dalumat awardees.
Gawad Alunig (Short-form Videos/Advertisements) Awardees:
| Awards | Team Name | Entry Title | Members |
| Grand Winner of Gawad Alunig | Team Creative Blocks | “Taghoy” | Natalie Rose S. PimentelGeorge Adam D. SumandayJohn Carlou T. Romanos |
| 1st Runner Up of Gawad Alunig | Team STEM Uno Productions | “Nuez Naturals” | Valerie Bon Dominique L. TupinoZacharey C. BazerFritz Jhon Dave P. Pangasi-an |
| Honorable Mention | Team KATIG Productions | “Project Abiso” | Nikka M. BacolodAcsah Cachrisya D. CodillaBrittany Miles B. Ebarle |
| Honorable Mention & People’s Choice Award | Team PATAK | “Dropwise: Where clean water has no social status” | Hans Ardane C. CatabayRoiland F. DialolaArabela Mae D. Ibarra |
| Honorable Mention | Team CATSU | “Parahag-ot” | Dr. Roberto B. Barba, JrProf. Kristopher T. VisayaMr. Raymund Sandy S. Barcelon |
Gawad Dalumat (Photo Essay) Awardees:
| Awards | Team Name | Entry Title | Members |
| Winner of Gawad Dalumat | Team Bihasaya | “I-POT: The Roots of Tomorrow” | Jenjn Faith G. IgoyLean Randolf C. LocsonJannah Pauline B. Jimenez |
| 1st Runner Up of Gawad Dalumat & People’s Choice Award | Team Patak | “Patak na Pinaglalaban” | Daniela Erika D. De GuzmanRichard P. PalaylayKelly S. Ceniza |
| 2nd Runner Up of Gawad Dalumat | Team InnovAksyon Helios | “Not All Heroes Wear Capes, Some Put Out Fires Before They Begin” | Hermione Hannah O. PreciadosCatherine Kate D. PitogoPatrick Earl S. Abuda |
Best Innovation Story | Team JVC Hope Tech | “Power in Every Hatch: A Hybrid Egg Incubator Built for Poultry Farmers” | Caryl C. SubaldoJanus Kyle C. VillalobosJastin Mae M. Ortega |
| Team NEUST-The Blaze | “Bee-Yond the Hive: An Instrument That Thrives” | James Gregor E. ValinoJustin Matthew D. RiveraXyren S. San Antonio | |
| Team Bihasaya | “I-POT: The Roots of Tomorrow” | Jenjn Faith G. IgoyLean Randolf C. LocsonJannah Pauline B. Jimenez |
Emphasizing the power of ethical and strategic storytelling, Ms. Ana Ruby B. Pista, President of the Public Relations Society of the Philippines, highlighted how public relations plays a vital role in advancing government programs and building public trust. She underscored that effective PR goes beyond information dissemination and serves as a bridge between institutions and the people they serve.
“Public relations is no longer just about telling stories; it is about stewarding them with integrity, purpose, and responsibility to ensure that government programs truly resonate with the communities they are meant to serve,” Pista said.
Echoing the importance of responsible communication, Mr. Roberto A. Aligada, Executive Director of the Ad Standards Council, emphasized the role of advertising and communication in transforming innovation into real-world impact. He stressed that while science delivers precision, storytelling gives innovation its human connection and purpose.
“Science provides the numbers, but communication provides the soul, when creativity and innovation work together with responsibility and truth, advertising can become a catalyst that changes lives,” Aligada said.
As DOST-TAPI celebrates 39 years of service, the GAxD 2025 campaign reinforces the vital role of Filipino creatives in bridging innovation and communities, ensuring that homegrown technologies resonate, inspire, and reach the people they are meant to serve.
