BuildForBayan 2026
A one-day gathering of technologists, designers, mental health advocates, and changemakers — working together on real Filipino mental health challenges.
Hackathon begins in
Limited slots available. Register individually — we build teams of four.
Why This Matters
3.6 million Filipinos were already living with a mental health condition before the pandemic. Since then, that number has grown.
The number of psychiatrists hasn't.
BuildForBayan 2026 exists because Filipino innovators — guided by the right experts — can help close that gap.
Ethical safeguards built in from day one
No clinical claims
Prototypes cannot make medical diagnoses or treatment recommendations
Crisis protocols
Crisis escalation protocols required in all submissions
Professionals on-site
Mental health professionals available throughout the day
Data privacy
Data privacy compliance built into every project
What You'll Do
A full day of collaboration, learning, and building solutions that matter.
Team Formation
Get matched with a balanced team of 4 based on your skills and background
Problem Deep Dive
Learn about real Filipino mental health challenges from experts and advocates
Build & Prototype
Work together to design and develop a solution addressing the challenge
Mentorship Sessions
Get guidance from mental health professionals and tech mentors throughout the day
Pitch Your Solution
Present your prototype to judges and receive feedback from experts
Awards & Next Steps
Top teams get recognized and connected with resources to continue their projects
Who It's For
Developers. Designers. Mental health advocates. Students. Anyone who wants to contribute.
Register individually — we build balanced teams of four.
Technologist
Developers and engineers who build the solutions
Designer
UX/UI designers who shape the experience
Mental Health Advocate
Professionals and advocates who guide the approach
Generalist
Students and changemakers who bring fresh perspectives
One day. One team. One real problem.
How the Day Runs
Never been to a hackathon? Here's what to expect.
Arrival & Team Meet
Check in and meet your assigned team of four
Opening Ceremony
Welcome, event briefing, and challenge reveal
Building Begins
Problem-first approach: understand, then prototype
Lunch Break
Refuel and network with fellow innovators
Building Continues
Mentor check-ins and development time
Final Sprint
Polish your prototype and prepare your pitch
Pitching Begins
Present to tech and mental health judges
Judging & Deliberation
Panel evaluates all submissions
Winners Announced
Awards ceremony and closing remarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Building for Wellbeing
Filipino Innovation for Mental Wellness
Register individually — we build balanced teams of four.
Want to support the event?