Yahya Ibrahim Yusop

A group of Grade 10 students from Bongabon National High School, Nueva Ecija, has developed a machine capable of assessing onion quality using spectrometry. 


The innovation, called “SpectraGuard,” is a 1-foot-6-inch by 8-inch device designed by seven students to help onion farmers and traders detect spoilage and estimate shelf life.

According to the group leader, Bayan Patroller John Ruzzel De Leon, the invention took a month conceptualizing before producing. 

Afterwards, two months were taken to build the machine with an IT expert from the school’s partner for research innovation Jermaine Germino of Creant Asia.

Serving as the group’s consultant, he suggested creating a science robotics project, reflecting the place’s identity as one of the largest onion production areas in the country.

Hence, the idea of “SpectraGuard” made it possible, which uses a spectrometer with different lights to enter into the onions to indicate their chance for rotting or the extent of shelf life. 

Testing of the said invention was done at Kasanme Cold Storage, Palayan City. 

According to the group’s adviser, Estanislao Sereno Jr., the group used a random sampling method where they took 10 onions from each 28-kilo sack and placed them one by one to test the goodness and badness of every onion. 

From the sampling method, Sereno Jr., added that there were four intervals which repeated the process in its fifth sack.

With its invention, SpectraGuard gained recognition as champion at the Division Science and Technology Fair 2025, third place at the Regional Science and Technology Fair 2025, and first grand award at the National Science and Engineering Fair 2025.

Germino, on the other hand, expressed his pride in the team’s milestone, emphasizing agricultural development through advanced technology and artificial intelligence, and possibly seeking further innovation for other fruits and vegetables. 

With its development cost ranging from 20,000 to 30,000 pesos, he is hopeful that projects like SpectraGuard would have the potential to improve the country’s agricultural landscape with the government’s funds and support.