LAPU-LAPU CITY — The city government has officially opened the second edition of its Plastic Innovation Contest, inviting residents to transform plastic waste into practical, replicable solutions. The competition runs from September 26 to November 30, 2026, with winners announced in December.
A Challenge for Creative Minds
The contest calls on individuals, startups, researchers, students, and community groups to develop actual products or designs from four specified plastic waste types. These include shredded plastics, plastic bottles, used tarpaulins, and unshredded plastics or other plastic wastes. Each category offers separate prizes for individual and group participants.
Organized through the City Environment and Natural Resources Office under Mayor Cindi King Chan and Congressman Junard "Ahong" Chan, the initiative aims to inspire change while addressing one of today's most pressing environmental challenges. It encourages solutions that are innovative, practical, and sustainable for community adoption.
Who Can Join the Competition
The contest is open to two main categories. The Community and Barangay category welcomes bona fide Lapu-Lapu City residents who are registered voters. High school and college students are excluded from this group. Teams must consist of three to five members drawn from barangay organizations, homeowners associations, youth groups, women's associations, or cooperatives.
The Student category is open to high school students in Grades 7 to 12 and college students enrolled in public or private schools within Lapu-Lapu City. Participants must submit proof of enrollment for the current school year. Each school may submit only one official entry per plastic type to ensure fair representation.
Prize Structure and Incentives
Winners will receive cash prizes across all four plastic waste categories. Individual winners under the Community and Barangay category will receive prizes ranging from ₱5,000 to ₱10,000. Group winners in the same category can receive up to ₱50,000 for first place, ₱30,000 for second, and ₱20,000 for third.
Student individual winners will also receive up to ₱10,000, while student group winners may earn up to ₱30,000 for first place. The substantial prizes reflect the city's commitment to rewarding ingenuity and environmental stewardship. Note that group entries for shredded plastics and plastic bottles are unavailable this round.
Judging Criteria and Submission Process
Entries will be evaluated based on innovation and creativity at 25 percent, environmental impact at 25 percent, and feasibility and practicality at 20 percent. Functionality and quality account for 15 percent, presentation and communication for 10 percent, and social and economic value for 5 percent.
Participants must email their entries to [email protected] with the subject "PLASTIC CONTEST" followed by the participant's name and plastic type. Required documents include a registration form, participant profile, product description, proof of residence or enrollment, process flow explanation, and relevance to judging criteria. The actual product explanation and test at the CENRO Office shall not exceed 30 minutes.
A Push for a Greener Future
The contest represents a tangible step toward reducing plastic waste volume in Lapu-Lapu City. By encouraging residents to create replicable solutions, the program aims to generate livelihood opportunities while protecting the environment. Winners will be announced online in December 2026, with awarding details to follow.
Interested participants may contact CENRO Staff Christian Casio at 09189220539 or email [email protected] for clarifications. The contest starts now, and the city invites everyone to be part of the challenge, inspire change, and protect the environment.
