The Filipino Times Global Student Competitions 2026 has recognized the country’s most outstanding student talents in architecture and engineering, spotlighting innovative concepts and future-ready solutions developed by universities across the Philippines.
The Filipino Times Global Student Competitions is an international platform that recognizes outstanding Filipino student talent across various disciplines, providing young innovators with global exposure and opportunities to connect with internationally recognized industry leaders and professionals.
From sustainable communities and airport concepts to digital transport modernization systems, this year’s winning projects addressed real-world challenges through creativity, technology, sustainability, and design excellence.
Organized by The Filipino Times, the leading media for Filipinos globally, the competition gathered 237 submissions from 45 universities nationwide, reflecting the rising global competitiveness, creativity, and innovation of Filipino students in architecture, engineering, and design.
The TFT Global Student Design Competition 2026 was mounted in partnership with The Philippine Association of Architecture Schools Inc. (PhilASA Inc.), reinforcing the initiative’s mission to promote excellence in architecture education, sustainability, and forward-thinking design among the next generation of Filipino professionals.
The competition featured two major categories: the TFT Global Student Design Competition 2026 and the TFT Global Student Engineering Innovation Challenge 2026.
Entries were evaluated by distinguished Filipino architects and engineers, recognized for their expertise in architecture, engineering, sustainability, and innovation.
TFT Global Student Engineering Innovation Challenge 2026
Best Overall Project for the Engineering Innovation Challenge 2026
Project title: Digital Transformation of Philippine Road Transport: A Scalable Blueprint for Public Utility Vehicle Modernization
About the project: The project is an integrated transport modernization system designed to improve the efficiency, transparency, and reliability of public transportation in the Philippines through real-time tracking, cashless payments, smart passenger monitoring, and cloud-based management solutions. It aims to provide a scalable and sustainable blueprint for a more connected, technology-driven public transport system nationwide.
Category: Structural, Transportation, and Infrastructure
Team: Albert Novell Enabe, Jaime Manolo C. Crotes, and Clark Daniel C. Villacampa
Course: Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering
University: University of San Carlos
TFT Global Student Design Competition 2026
Best Overall Project for Commercial Architecture
Project title: Siquijor Domestic Airport
About the project: The project proposes a modern domestic airport in Siquijor designed to improve regional connectivity, support sustainable tourism growth, and celebrate the island’s cultural identity. Inspired by local heritage and natural landscapes, the concept combines modern airport infrastructure with Filipino design elements, creating a functional gateway that promotes accessibility, tourism, and long-term development.
Designers: Katelin Shane Baguio and Jeanne Gionzon
University: Ateneo de Davao University
Best Overall Project for Cultural Preservation
Project title: A Life Along the Banks of Legacy
About the project: The project reimagines the Mestizo River in Vigan as a cultural and economic belt that revives traditional crafts, strengthens flood resilience, and restores community identity. By combining heritage preservation with ecological solutions, it transforms the riverbanks into sustainable cultural spaces where artisans, communities, and traditions can thrive despite environmental challenges.
Designer: Brylle Mari R. Layne
University: University of Northern Philippines
Best Overall Project for Residential Architecture 
Project title: Pawikanan: Calm Amidst the Storm, Warmth Within the Wall
About the project: The project proposes a low-cost, disaster-resilient amphibious housing system inspired by the sea turtle, designed to protect vulnerable communities from floods and typhoons. Combining biomimicry, renewable energy, hydroponics, and upcycled materials, it promotes self-sufficiency, adaptability, and sustainable community living while helping families recover and rebuild with dignity after disasters.
Designer: Athom Jhay DG. Sta. Maria
University: Bulacan State University
Best Overall Project for Industrial Architecture
Project title: VIO Tomasia
About the project: The project envisions Tomasia, a future-ready smart industrial city in Sto. Tomas, Batangas that integrates advanced mobility, renewable energy, AI-driven industries, and ecological resilience. Designed as a self-sustaining, zero-carbon urban hub, it combines sustainable infrastructure, climate-adaptive planning, and symbiotic industrial systems to create a globally competitive model for smart city development.
Designers: Gerbert Joehm Valdez, Marion Jaeryl Clavillas, and Krizia Bulle Fagasal
University: National University Laguna
Best Overall Project for Sustainable Design
Project title: Ang Pag-ibig Kay Juan
About the project: The project proposes a sustainable and community-rooted rehabilitation of Laguna de Bay through floating, climate-adaptive architecture that restores ecosystems, strengthens local livelihoods, and preserves cultural identity. Integrating ecological urbanism, renewable energy, aquaculture, and modular floating spaces, it transforms the lake into a resilient hub for community, food security, environmental renewal, and sustainable development.
Designer: Dan Maroelle D. Bernal
University: Batangas State University
Best Overall Project for Urban and Landscape Design
Project title: La Isla de Mina
About the project: The project presents a 25-year urban and tourism masterplan for Calapan that aims to transform the Ibaba waterfront into a sustainable, inclusive, and economically vibrant community. Through resilient housing, eco-tourism developments, public spaces, and livelihood opportunities, it envisions a future where environmental protection, social dignity, and long-term urban growth thrive together.
Designer: Joemmel A. Magnaye
University: Divine Word College of Calapan
Panel of judges
The projects were evaluated by respected industry leaders, award-winning professionals, and experts in architecture, engineering, sustainability, and innovation.
The judging panel included Ar. Christine Espinosa-Erlanda, Associate Director at Godwin Austen Johnson; Ar. Woderick Pareja, Senior Architect at OBERMEYER Middle East GmbH; Ar. Marvin Tejada, Architect- Specifications Writer at Arab Engineering Bureau; Engr. Leo Argoso Jr., Sr. Electronics Engineer at Zimmo Trading Co.; Dr. Elvin Fajutagana, Project Management and Construction Engineering Specialist; and Engr. Rafael Lontoc, Regional Support Manager at Regional Service Manager at Cyviz AS, all awardees and judges of The Filipino Times Awards: Top Engineers and Architects in the Middle East.
“Through the TFT Global Student Competitions, we want to give Filipino students a platform where their work can be seen beyond the classroom. The quality of this year’s entries shows that many young Filipinos are already thinking about solutions that can create real impact in communities and industries,” said Vince Ang, General Manager of The Filipino Times and Chief Operating Officer of New Perspective Group.
Rain Dimalanta, Regional Director of New Perspective Group, said the strong participation from Philippine universities nationwide reflects the enthusiasm of students and schools to be part of initiatives that recognize innovation and creativity.
“We are excited by the response from universities across the Philippines for the first edition of the competition. It shows the willingness of many students to share ideas and take part in conversations about innovation, sustainability, and the future of communities through design and engineering,” Dimalanta said.
