DOST-TAPI’s annual campaign elevates Filipino innovations and the voices that propel them
Since 2022, the Department of Science and Technology–Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI) has been championing Filipino innovation through Gawad Alunig x Dalumat (GAxD) — a national campaign that transforms science into stories that resonate with communities.
Launched at the height of the global pandemic, GAxD emerged as a strategic response to both crisis and confusion. At a time when misinformation and false claims about science were spreading rapidly, the campaign positioned storytelling as a powerful tool to spotlight verified, homegrown technologies and restore public trust in Filipino ingenuity.
2022–2024: Elevating Science Through Citizen Journalism
The inaugural GAxD in 2022 focused on Citizen Science Journalism, recognizing the role of grassroots storytellers in translating complex scientific breakthroughs into accessible, compelling narratives.
Under Gawad Alunig, the campaign honored outstanding KALIPUNAN Science Youth Correspondents who produced impactful science newscasts. Meanwhile, Gawad Dalumat recognized exceptional school-based science publications that demonstrated journalistic excellence.
The results were measurable and transformative. The first edition generated nearly 500 invention leads and contributed to a 25% increase in DOST-TAPI’s approved funding proposals, underscoring the power of community-driven storytelling to fuel innovation.
In its second year, GAxD retained its citizen journalism format but expanded into a nationwide mobilization effort, encouraging innovators to participate in the Regional Invention Contest and Exhibit (ClusteRICE). The campaign highlighted the indispensable role of science and technology across critical sectors—agriculture, education, livelihood, health, disaster risk reduction, and engineering—demonstrating how innovation directly impacts daily life.
By grounding technology in real-world applications, GAxD strengthened public understanding of science as a driver of national development.
Award-Winning Impact
In 2023, GAxD’s strategic communications excellence was recognized by industry leaders. The Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP) conferred a Silver Anvil Award under the Specialized PR Program category. Marketing-Interactive Philippines also honored the campaign with a Gold Award for Excellence in Relationship Marketing.
Beyond accolades, impact deepened. The campaign triggered a 200% surge in invention proposals and spurred the nationwide production of dozens of science-focused newscasts and publications—clear evidence of how structured storytelling can mobilize communities.
Building on this momentum, GAxD 2024 expanded participation incentives, increasing cash prizes and sharpening its focus on technology transfer (Tech-Trans), small enterprises, and MSMEs. The edition further strengthened journalistic standards in science reporting while amplifying public engagement on issues central to nation-building.
2025: A New Era of Creative Science Storytelling
GAxD 2025 signals a bold evolution. Moving beyond traditional reporting formats, the latest edition emphasizes science visual storytelling through creative advertising—broadening the platform to include filmmakers, visual artists, and multimedia storytellers.
This strategic shift opens new avenues for Filipinos to interpret and amplify innovation through dynamic, high-impact formats that resonate across digital platforms.
The stakes are higher than ever.
- Gawad Alunig (Audio-Visual Category) offers up to PHP 75,000 for the grand winner.
- Gawad Dalumat (Photo Essay Feature Category) awards PHP 60,000 to its champion.
With expanded formats and increased incentives, GAxD continues to evolve as a national platform that not only recognizes innovation—but amplifies it.
For more information about Gawad Alunig x Dalumat, visit tapi.dost.gov.ph and follow DOST-TAPI on Facebook. You may also email impakt.tipd@tapi.dost.gov.ph or contact 0908-244-7842 (Viber/WhatsApp) for inquiries.
Through GAxD, DOST-TAPI affirms a powerful truth: when science is communicated effectively, innovation becomes a shared national story.
