Palawan State University (PalawanSU) has once again demonstrated its commitment to innovation and excellence, earning the prestigious 4th Best Pitch award under the Finance Sector at the recently concluded 2024 National Innovation Day celebration. The event, held at the Novotel Manila Araneta City in Quezon City, was a gathering of the brightest minds in innovation, under the theme “Unboxing the Filipinnovation Mindset.”

The highlight of the celebration was the HABI (Huddle, Analyze, Build, Innovate) workshop, a dynamic design-thinking session that aimed to solve real-world problems through user-centric solutions. The workshop’s objectives were clear: raise awareness about innovation, foster an innovative culture and mindset, and promote Filipinnovation on a national scale. Participants engaged in creative problem-solving, brainstorming, prototyping, and pitching their ideas, making it a fertile ground for the nation’s future innovators.

PalawanSU’s outstanding senior students—Mr. Henry Lorenz Parreñas, Ms. Eloiza Labastida, and Ms. Alessandra Lapatin—represented the university with distinction. Guided by MEPA Department Head Ms. Anna Vanessa Soliven, the team excelled in the HABI Design Thinking Workshop, where they pitched their innovative concept, “Dothe App.” Their efforts earned them the 4th Best Pitch under the Finance Sector, a remarkable achievement given the stiff competition from schools nationwide.
“Dothe App,” the brainchild of the PalawanSU team, is a testament to the university’s focus on cultivating creativity and forward-thinking among its students. The app’s concept resonated with the judges and audience alike, showcasing not only the students’ technical prowess but also their ability to think critically and address relevant financial challenges.

The 2024 National Innovation Day, beyond being a competition, served as a platform to nurture students’ growing interest in innovation and encourage them to become active contributors to the broader innovation ecosystem. Through initiatives like the HABI workshop, the event provided young innovators with the tools and mindset needed to tackle future challenges and opportunities in various sectors.

PalawanSU’s achievement at this national event underscores the university’s role in fostering an environment where innovation thrives. The recognition received by Mr. Parreñas, Ms. Labastida, and Ms. Lapatin is not just a personal triumph but a reflection of PalawanSU’s dedication to excellence and its ongoing commitment to shaping the next generation of Filipino innovators.

As the university community celebrates this success, the students’ achievement also serves as an inspiration to their peers to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible through innovation. PalawanSU’s participation and success at the National Innovation Day reinforce the institution’s reputation as a leading force in nurturing talent and driving innovation in the country.