The Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute unveils the top ten finalists for the 9th Indie-Siyensya Filmmaking Competition.
With the theme “Halik sa Lupa,” this year’s edition of the country’s first and only science filmmaking competition celebrates the soil not just as the ground people walk on, but as life-giver, culture-bearer, and future-shaper.
From a total of 120 entries received from across the country, here are the finalists in each category:
Youth Category
- Abo’t Ani - Directed by Eula Frances A. Macabodbod (Masidlak Production / Valencia National High School)
- Lupang Hinirang- Directed by Lawrence C. Delos Santos (Guhit-Tagpuan Productions / Labrador National High School)
- Panagtubo: Ang Kwento ng Buhay na Lupa - Directed by Areli Joanna A. Asuncion(Likhang Eba / Tuguegarao City Science High School)
- Punso - Directed by Maria Felicitti S. Sta. Catalina (Utak Berde Production / Rizal National Science High School)
- Soil Biodiversity: Buhay sa Ilalim, Bumubuhay sa Ibabaw - Directed by Bernice Shayne M. Dela Cruz (Pasig City Science High School)
Open Category
- Damayan - Directed by Celine R. Murillo
- Hinubog ng Lupa - Directed by Angelo Gabriel F. Cortes (ANJ)
- Munting Yaman - Directed by Raymond B. Balagosa (Compass Productions)
- Sa Duta Sang Kabuhi - Directed by Steve C. Villasor (TUPV Film Production)
- Tabi-tabi Po - Directed by James Mark Caponpon (Sinalat Productions)
These science films will premiere on October 7-11, 2025 at the Cinematheque Centre Bacolor, with simultaneous free screenings at Cinematheque Centers in Davao, Nabunturan, and Iloilo.
All films will also be available for free online streaming via JuanFlix (www.juanflix.com.ph) from October 12 to 31, 2025. Viewers can register on the platform to vote for their favorite entry.
Winners of this year’s IndieSiyensya competition will be announced in November 2025.
Indie-Siyensya is the first science film-making competition organized by the DOST-SEI to bring science closer to the youth and the general public through film. It is one of the many initiatives of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) aimed at providing science-based, innovative, and inclusive solutions across four strategic pillars: human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability. These pillars embody the mantra OneDOST4U: Solutions, Opportunities for All. For more information, visit the DOST-SEI Indie-Siyensya on Facebook on how to watch and stream online. (By Rosemarie C. Señora, DOST-STII)
