MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine S&T Development Foundation (PhilDev) recognized startups and innovators advancing children’s speech development, renewable energy, digital finance, healthcare, and sustainability during its 2026 gala fundraiser on Saturday, May 23.

The event also coincided with what would have been the 80th birthday of the organization’s late founder, Filipino tech pioneer Diosdado “Dado” Banatao. It also saw the launch of the book A Tale of Two Valleys, written by Jamil Maidan Flores, which chronicles Banatao’s journey from his humble beginnings in Cagayan Valley to the heights of technological achievement in Silicon Valley.

Maria Banatao, Dado’s widow, honored her late husband and reflected on their goal: “When [Dado] and I and the rest of the PhilDev family founded PhilDev, our hope was never simply to build an organization. It was to help build pathways. Pathways for future generations to dream bigger, create boldly, and contribute meaningfully to society”.

Victor Lirio, a London-based trustee and advisor for PhilDev USA, citing the book, said that Dado often emphasized that “developing countries with significant enrichment over the last 200 years… was accomplished through the accumulation of ideas by common people, liberated from constraints of society, government, or rulers. This belief in the power of ideas is what made Dado and the Banatao family’s impact endure.”

To date, the organization has supported 377 scholars, PhilDev says, and it has trained more than 3,897 students in “technopreneurship,” science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and helped support 98 startups across the country. 

Outstanding Filipinos in STEM, startups honored

At the gala, PhilDev honored startups and individuals whom they believe share Banatao’s vision of ideas as the foundation for progress. 

Mylo, one of the recipients of the Startup of the Year Award, developed “Mylo Speech Buddy,” an app designed to support children with speech delays and autism spectrum disorder through video modeling and structured learning exercises. Founded in 2023 by Vince Rocha and Enrico Aquino, the startup was inspired by Rocha’s personal experience as a parent navigating developmental challenges.

Also recognized was Packworks, a platform helping sari-sari store owners digitize their operations through inventory management and data-driven business tools. The company said it now supports more than 200,000 sari-sari stores nationwide.

Digital bank Maya Bank also received recognition for expanding access to financial services through digital savings, credit, deposits, and investment products for consumers and micro, small, and medium enterprises.

PhilDev also honored recipients of the Young Innovators of the Year Award, recognizing Filipinos whose work in science, technology, and innovation is creating impact across industries and communities.

Among the awardees was Jana Quismundo, a PhilDev scholar alumna, molecular biologist, and neuroscientist engaged in international biomedical research focused on disease pathology, cancer research, and genetics.

PhilDev alumnus Leo Villalba was also recognized for his work as founder of mHycro, an early-stage startup developing micro-pumped hydro energy storage systems for renewable energy applications in remote mountainous communities. Villalba, an electrical engineer, is collaborating with fellow scholars Ivan Nara and Jession Diwangan on the project, which is currently in the research and development stage pending patent application.

Ivan Nara, also a PhilDev scholar alumnus, was honored for his work as chief executive officer and co-founder of KoolGear, a startup developing climate-responsive cooling technologies aimed at addressing heat-related health and environmental challenges. Together with fellow PhilDev alumni Leo Villalba and Kenneth Postrero, Nara helped develop a patented cooling device intended to provide relief for individuals experiencing heat-related body stress.

Interventional neuroradiologist Dr. Victor Erwin Jocson was recognized for advancing stroke intervention and neurovascular care in the Philippines. Jocson successfully performed a mechanical thrombectomy on a 105-year-old ischemic stroke patient, making the patient the oldest recorded recipient of the procedure.

Chemical engineer and DOST Balik Scientist Dr. Noel Peter Tan also received recognition for his work on biodegradable packaging, membrane technologies, and nanoscience applications. Tan heads the Center for Advanced New Materials, Engineering, and Emerging Technologies (CANMEET) at the University of San Agustin in Iloilo, where he leads research on applied chemistry, smart packaging, and sustainable materials development.

Maria Banatao closed the evening reflecting on legacy and the future: “Legacy is not only what we leave behind, it is what others choose to continue… May we continue building a future where Filipino excellence, innovation, and compassion drive for generations to come.” – Rappler.com