JULY 29, 2026
OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental — Innovations aimed at increasing farmers’ income and reducing the cost of agricultural operations took center stage during the Presidential Filipinnovation Awards Mindanao Sub-National Competition held in Misamis Occidental on July 28 and 29.
Among the innovations presented were a coconut sap juice extractor designed to increase the daily output from an average of two liters of sap to four liters, potentially raising farmers’ earnings, and an artificial intelligence-driven farm management module that can reduce farm management costs by as much as 50 percent.
The innovations were among the solutions presented by seven finalists from across Mindanao, highlighting locally developed approaches to challenges in agriculture and other sectors.
Governor Henry S. Oaminal, chairperson of the Regional Development Council-X and the Mindanao Sub-National Competition, said innovation is an important component of the region’s development efforts and the Asenso Administration’s vision of a “Misamisnon Magpuyong Malinawon, Malambuon ug Malipayon.”
Oaminal said innovation can strengthen various sectors, address community-level challenges, and help improve the competitiveness of Mindanao.
For the Chairman, the Filipinnovation Awards serve as a platform where ideas and technological solutions can be developed into opportunities that contribute to inclusive growth and regional development.
The competition also provided innovators from across the island an opportunity to present solutions addressing challenges faced by their respective communities.
Of the seven innovators who presented during the Mindanao Sub-National Competition, four finalists were selected to represent Mindanao at the national stage of the 2026 Presidential Filipinnovation Awards in September.
Oaminal congratulated the four finalists and expressed confidence in their ability to represent Mindanao in the national competition.
He also assured the innovators of his continued support as they prepare for the next stage of the competition.
The selection of the Mindanao finalists underscored the potential of homegrown innovations to address local challenges while contributing to the region’s broader development goals.
For Misamis Occidental, the event also reinforced the role of innovation in pursuing its “Malambuon” vision—one where new ideas and technologies can translate into greater opportunities for communities and stronger regional competitiveness.
