The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) celebrated the pinnacle of Filipino ingenuity at the 2026 Alfredo M. Yao (AMY) Innovation Awards. It was held as part of the 52nd Philippine Business Conference and Expo, the ceremony recognized two groundbreaking innovations set to make significant impacts in sustainability and community development.
Named after the Filipino businessman whose company was the recipient of the first ASEAN Business Award in Innovation, the Alfredo M. Yao Innovation Awards recognizes socially relevant inventions by Filipinos. It is conferred on Filipino-made inventions or innovations that have contributed or have the potential to contribute to economic development. The inventor and IP-owner can be an individual or a group of individuals in the collegiate and professional areas.
This year’s winner for the collegiate category is Agapita: An Offline Sketch-to-Speech Communication System for Stroke Survivors with Broca’s Aphasia developed by Mr. Jose Gian Tubera from Angeles University Foundation. By transforming rough patient sketches into clear, spoken clinical requests completely offline, this innovative system turns severe communication barriers into precise expression for stroke survivors with Broca’s aphasia. Overcoming the nationwide shortage of speech pathologists, it delivers a safe, cost-effective, and game-changing solution for more responsive healthcare.
Winning in the professional category award is the invention HOCLOMAC, developed by Dr. Francis Aldrine Uy of USHER Technologies Inc. HOCLOMAC, is an innovative, low-cost, portable hypochlorous acid generator that uses electrolysis to turn readily available materials into safe, on-demand disinfectants. It is highly efficient, scalable, and sustainable, HOCLOMAC provides decentralized sanitation for healthcare facilities, schools, and agriculture while slashing recurring costs and plastic waste—proving that localized innovation can create a cleaner, safer world.
Antonio Sayo, chairman of the AMY Award explained, “The exceptional achievements of Mr. Tubera and Dr. Uy are a testament to the transformative power of Filipino intellect and creativity, and we are proud to provide a platform that turns these groundbreaking ideas into real-world solutions.”
Through the AMY Innovation Awards, PCCI reaffirms its commitment to promoting research, innovation, and entrepreneurship among Filipinos. By providing a platform for groundbreaking ideas, the Awards continue to encourage inventive solutions that foster competitiveness, inclusivity, and sustainable development across industries.
Presenting the awards were Vice President Sara Duterte, PCCI President Ferdinand A. Ferrer, PCCI Vice President for Labor and Employment and 52nd PBC&E Chairman Arturo C. Guerrero III, PCCI Director Alfredo M. Yao, Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines Deputy Director-General, Atty. Anne Claire Cabochan; PCCI Chairman Emeritus George T. Barcelon, PCCI Chairman Jude G. Aguilar, and AMY Awards 2026 Chairman Antonio Sayo.
