TLDR: A team of students from Holy Angel University in the Philippines has won the People’s Choice Award at the 2025 Google-ADB APAC Solution Challenge for their groundbreaking AI-powered waste management tracking system. The innovation, developed by Josh Gorospe, Joaquin Galang, Eisha Janel Tablante Alva, and Angelica Mae Tadique, aims to optimize waste handling and earned them a US$1,000 prize.
MANILA, Philippines – A group of visionary students from Holy Angel University (HAU) in Angeles, Pampanga, has garnered international acclaim, securing the prestigious People’s Choice Award at the 2025 Google-ADB APAC Solution Challenge. Their innovative AI-powered waste management tracking system stood out among numerous entries from across the Asia-Pacific region, highlighting the potential of artificial intelligence to address pressing environmental concerns.
The winning team comprises talented individuals: Josh Gorospe, Joaquin Galang, Eisha Janel Tablante Alva, and Angelica Mae Tadique. They were the sole Philippine delegation to receive honors at the highly competitive regional event, which was a key feature of the 2025 APAC Digital Transformation Forum held in Manila this June.
The students’ project focuses on monitoring and optimizing waste management practices through the intelligent application of AI. This system is designed to improve overall waste handling, contributing to more sustainable and efficient environmental solutions. Their impactful work earned them a cash prize of US$1,000, recognizing both their technical prowess and the societal relevance of their innovation.
The APAC Solution Challenge, co-organized by tech giant Google and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), serves as a platform for student-led teams to leverage Google AI tools in tackling critical global challenges, spanning sustainability, healthcare, education, and disaster response.
Sapna Chadha, Vice President for Google Southeast Asia and South Asia Frontier, lauded the students’ efforts, stating, “It’s one thing to talk about the potential of AI. It’s another thing entirely to witness it in the hands of brilliant, passionate students who are using it not to chase trends, but to heal our planet, strengthen our communities, and even save lives.” She further emphasized, “To all the finalists: you are not the ‘next generation’ waiting in the wings—you are leading right now. The heart of innovation isn’t just code; it’s courage and compassion.”
Antonio García Zaballos, Director of the Digital Sector Office at the ADB, echoed these sentiments, remarking, “The Google Solution Challenge was a cornerstone of the Asia Pacific Digital Transformation Forum 2025. We saw the power of student-led innovation to address real-world challenges in healthcare, sustainability, trade, and tourism through technology and AI. The energy and creativity of the students were truly inspiring – we are seeing the future of sustainable digital transformation in the Asia Pacific region.”
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The success of the Holy Angel University team underscores the Philippines’ growing contribution to technological innovation and its commitment to addressing global issues through cutting-edge solutions.
