In a remarkable achievement that highlights the growing prowess of Filipino youth in technology, a team of senior high school students from Dominican School Manila has won the prestigious AI Innovator Challenge organized by the International Society for Transforming Education (ISTE) in Orlando, Florida.
Competing against more than 600 students from over 20 countries, the ReSiklo team composed of Grade 12 students Jo Justin Ong, Alexandra Manungay, and Viktoria Binuya emerged as the top winners. They were the only representatives from the Philippines to reach the final round and outperformed strong contenders from the United States and Dubai.
What started as a simple classroom coding project evolved into a nationally proud moment, proving that young Filipino minds can compete and excel on the world stage when given the right opportunity.
At the heart of their victory is ReSiklo, an AI-powered mobile application designed to combat environmental pollution one of the Philippines’ most pressing challenges.
Using artificial intelligence and augmented reality, the app allows users to scan everyday objects like plastic bottles to instantly learn about their environmental impact. More than just identification, ReSiklo educates users on the broader consequences such as flooding, stronger typhoons, and worsening pollution, while providing practical guidance on how to reduce, reuse, or recycle.
Additional features include a Mini Learning Hub for environmental education, connections to local EcoExtend initiatives, and gamified rewards to encourage sustainable behavior. The name 'ReSiklo', derived from the word 'cycle', reflects the team’s belief that sustainability is an ongoing process of learning, action, and change.
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“Our project is rooted in the realities we face every day in the Philippines", shared the team. “Sustainability isn’t just one action it’s a cycle".
The students’ success did not happen overnight. After performing well in a national competition, they earned the chance to represent the country internationally. What they encountered at the ISTE conference far exceeded their expectations.
The event brought together global educators, tech leaders, and innovators. The Filipino team presented before panels that included representatives from Google, Microsoft, and Lenovo. They shared the main stage with fellow finalists whose projects ranged from AI for cancer detection to media bias analysis.
Despite facing resource constraints compared to many international teams, the ReSiklo project stood out for its purpose-driven approach and deep connection to real-world environmental issues.
The journey was not without difficulties. From refining AI models with limited resources to adapting to a completely new environment after a 30-hour flight, the students pushed through significant challenges.
Yet these obstacles made their achievement even more meaningful. The experience also fostered personal growth, new international friendships, and a powerful realization that they belonged among the world’s brightest young innovators.
Their coach, Sherylyn Dimaayo, played a crucial role by encouraging creative exploration and confidence. “Just let the students explore and you’ll be surprised at what they can do”, she noted.
This victory represents more than a single award. It signals a shift in Philippine education toward technology, creativity, and real-world problem-solving. In an era where innovation competitions increasingly focus on digital solutions, Filipino students are proving they can deliver impactful ideas.
The success of ReSiklo also highlights the potential of youth-led initiatives in addressing national and global challenges such as climate change and sustainability.
As the students returned home, they brought back more than trophies they carried a message of possibility: that from classrooms in Manila, groundbreaking ideas can reach the world stage.
Their achievement stands as an inspiring example for Filipino youth everywhere that with passion, creativity, and the right support, they can compete with the best and contribute meaningfully to solving the world’s most urgent problems.
