Education Secretary Sonny Angara on Wednesday urged Filipino learners to develop technology-driven solutions to help address pressing national and global challenges as he opened the 2026 National Science and Technology Fair (NSTF).

Organized by the Department of Education (DepEd), the annual event serves as the country’s premier platform for high school students to showcase research and innovations in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

With the theme “Harnessing the Unknown: Powering the Future Through Science and Innovation,” this year’s NSTF highlights the role of young innovators in shaping solutions for sustainable development and technological advancement.

Angara encouraged students to pursue research and innovation in critical sectors such as sustainable energy, food production and nutrition and technology-driven disaster resilience.

“In line with the vision of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to leverage science and technology for a better quality of life, we urge our learners to pioneer solutions that address our most critical national challenges,” he said.

He also cited the recent international recognition of students from Patin-ay National High School in Agusan del Sur for their research on medicinal plants, describing it as proof of the world-class talent of Filipino youth in research and development.

“By mastering rapidly evolving technologies today, the Filipino youth serve as the primary architects of a more innovative and resilient Bagong Pilipinas,” Angara added.

The NSTF also serves as the country’s qualifying round for the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), considered the world’s largest pre-college science competition.

Participants from various regions compete in several events, including the Tuklas STEM Research Competition, where students present projects under four categories: life science, physical science, robotics and intelligent machines and mathematics and computational science.

Another highlight is the STEM Innovation Expo, which features market-ready solutions addressing issues such as food safety, water conservation, renewable energy, cybersecurity, and health.

The fair also includes the STEM Academy conference and the Agham Bayanihan exhibit, where partner institutions showcase innovative technologies and services to the public. (PNA)