HEROES OF INNOVATION

IBALONG FESTIVAL 2026 EDITION
12-13 August 2026 Legazpi City

THE MISSION

Innovation creates the greatest impact when it begins with people. This Challenge was created to cultivate a new generation of innovators who listen before they build, understand before they design, and create solutions that respond to the real needs of communities.

  • Encourage innovators across the Bicol Region to develop technology-enabled solutions inspired by the values of Baltog, Bantong, and Handiong.
  • Discover high-potential teams and innovators who may be supported through incubation, mentoring, and ecosystem programs.
  • Promote human-centered, challenge-driven innovation using design, technology, and entrepreneurship.

THE HERO PATHWAYS

Rather than competing under separate challenge tracks, every Innovation Team will choose a Hero Pathway that best represents the values, character, and purpose of its proposed innovation.

Baltog

The Pioneer

"Every great journey begins with the courage to take the first step."

Pioneers who challenge existing ways of thinking, take bold action, and develop innovations that strengthen communities.

Focus Areas:

Disaster resilience, climate adaptation, environmental innovations, community safety.

Bantong

The Strategist

"Wisdom transforms obstacles into opportunities."

Strategists focusing on creating smarter ways of solving problems through innovation, systems thinking, and technology.

Focus Areas:

Digital government, tourism tech, smart mobility, ed-tech, AI, business process innovations.

Handiong

The Visionary

"Great leaders build tomorrow's communities."

Visionaries who imagine a better future and develop innovations that empower people and create lasting opportunities.

Focus Areas:

Entrepreneurship, inclusive technologies, accessibility, workforce development.

WHO CAN JOIN

Teams must have exactly 3 to 5 members. Interdisciplinary compositions are highly encouraged.

College/SHS Students Startups Developers Designers & Creatives Researchers Civic Tech Advocates

THE JOURNEY

1

Voices of the City

Listen to the lived experiences of Community Heroes and undergo Human-Centered Design.

2

Hero's Response

Submit your Innovation Concept Proposal detailing your inspiration and solution.

3

The Forge (Aug 12)

The official onsite sprint to collaborate with mentors and strengthen prototypes.

4

Hero's Pitch (Aug 13)

Present your innovations to judges and compete for Php 100,000 in support.