Louisians earned distinction at the Innovation Forum (InnFrm) Pitching Competition organized by the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office I (CHED RO1), as Oceanique Tiles clinched first place during the student pitching competition held at the Patio by Balai Norte in San Juan, La Union, on December 5, 2025.
Oceanique Tiles topped the competition with its innovative study by introducing discarded seashell-based eco-friendly construction material that replaces traditional tiles. The project stood out for its strong technical feasibility, environmental significance, and alignment with sustainable development goals, earning high praise from the panel of evaluators.
During the pitching competition, Chezy Yesha Althea Deleña, together with Jasper Ian Dwight Gomez and Shaina Lee Herreria, presented the project by clearly explaining its objectives alongside the study’s innovative aspects and practical usefulness.
Behind the project is a collaborative team led by Sharlene Mari Cacanindin, Chezy Yesha Althea Deleña, Kyle Francis Egar, Gerry Kent Estocapio, and Kenneth Fontanos, under the guidance of their coach, Engr. Dante L. Mendoza Jr., developed the award-winning innovation. Together, the team worked collaboratively to demonstrate how marine waste can be transformed into resilient, water-resistant flair tiles, supporting sustainable building practices through component demonstrations.
The TEA Student Conference—Innovation Forum serves as a platform for students to present quantum research solutions meant to solve critical societal and environmental challenges. Oceanique Tiles’ victory highlights how youth-led innovations participate actively in building sustainable technologies within the construction industry.
The project strongly aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
Words by Dharley Mapanao
