Bonifacio Global City, Taguig – Listed natural resource development company Nickel Asia Corporation (NAC) recognized the winners of the first-ever NAC Innovators Awards on April 29, 2025, at Seda Hotel, Bonifacio Global City.
Twelve research teams from different universities nationwide showcased the results of their research aimed at promoting science-based techniques to enhance environmental protection and the responsible utilization of the country’s natural resources.
The research teams were selected from the research grant awardees of NAC’s Sustainability Contest held in 2023.
Team Safer of St. Paul University Surigao won 1st place with their research titled “An IoT-Based Real-Time Light and Heavy Equipment Monitoring System for Open-Pit Mining Operations.” The real-time equipment monitoring system aims to eliminate paper usage and has the potential to improve operational control on equipment use in Philippine surface mines, which can reduce resource consumption.
In 2nd place is Team Rotor Cracks of Ateneo de Davao University with their research on Utilizing UAV with GNSS-RK for Computer Visioned-Based Analysis of Concrete Cracks. The drone-based Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) system aims to provide early detection of cracking in concrete structures while reducing the need for manual inspections which are prone to inaccuracies.
Team Project Zero of St. Paul University Surigao won 3rd place with their research titled “Zoning Exposures to Risk in Operation: A GIS-Based Accident Prediction System for Surface Mines.” Project Zero is a risk assessment module that integrates Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS) to provide companies with a comprehensive analysis and visualization of accident causation in a three-dimensional environment.
The winners received PHP 300,000.00, PHP 200,000.00, and PHP 100,000.00 respectively.
“The NAC Innovators Awards is a platform for young Filipinos to ignite change, to be heard, and to help build a greener, and more resilient future for all. Because when we empower our youth, we move one step closer to a future that is more inclusive, more just, and more sustainable,” said NAC President and CEO Martin Antonio G. Zamora.
Other participating schools include Bataan Peninsula State University, Bicol University, Caraga State University, Cebu Technological University – Tuburan Campus, Saint Louis University, University of Mindanao, Visayas State University, and STI College Surigao.
The participants’ research was judged based on the following criteria: Sustainability (30%), Integration (15%), Feasibility (20%), Repeatability (15%), and Impact (20%).
The board of judges is composed of former Science and Technology Undersecretary and President of Cordillera Exploration Company, Inc., Dr. Graciano P. Yumul, Jr.; Emerging Power, Inc. Senior Vice President for Special Projects Jasmin Agbon; UP Los Banos Scientist II Florencia B. Pulhin, PhD; and La Salle Green Hills faculty member and Administrative Assistant to the President Agnes Alonsozana.
“To all our participants, we salute your passion, your creativity, and your commitment. Through initiatives like this we hope you are reminded that the work you are doing matters. We need you to push boundaries, to ask the hard questions, and to keep believing in your power to make a difference,” said Zamora.
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