President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has encouraged Filipino innovators nationwide to partner with the government in developing practical solutions to pressing issues, including flooding, energy shortages, food insecurity, and soil erosion.
Marcos made the appeal on Thursday, September 3, during the awarding ceremony of the 2026 Presidential FilipinNovation Awards (PFA) National Competition in Quezon City.
In his address, the President recognized the role of Filipino innovators in creating opportunities and advancing the country through new ideas and technologies.
He also urged them to turn their innovations toward addressing long-standing problems affecting communities across the Philippines.
“And so, to every innovator across the country: I know that you have come a long way to reach this point. I also know that there is still much to do to turn your ideas into solutions that can improve the lives of our people, our communities, and our nation,” Marcos said.
He specifically called for stronger collaboration between innovators and government agencies to tackle challenges that continue to affect Filipinos.
“I call on each of you to work with the government in addressing modern challenges—from food insecurity, flooding, soil erosion and energy shortages,” Marcos appealed.
Marcos said the true impact of innovation should ultimately be measured by how it improves people’s lives, expands opportunities, and motivates others to pursue new ideas.
“May you continue to give hope to aspiring innovators here and around the world. Because every innovation begins with an idea. Every idea, given the chance to grow, becomes a force for change,” Marcos said.
The President assured innovators that his administration recognizes their contribution to creating a safer, more comfortable, and sustainable future for Filipinos.
He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building an environment “where more innovators can pursue their ideas, to find opportunities, to grow, and to contribute to the development of our country.”
Marcos pointed to the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028, which identifies innovation as an important factor in economic transformation, productivity, and national competitiveness.
He said the plan supports government efforts across the innovation pipeline, covering research and development, technology transfer, commercialization, market adoption, and efforts to improve the country’s global competitiveness.
Since 2022, the National Innovation Council (NIC) has extended more than ₱317.67 million in funding to 61 innovation programs, activities, and projects through its Innovation Grants.
The NIC has also undertaken a policy study aimed at simplifying business registration, renewal, and exit procedures. It is likewise working on a regulatory sandbox policy guide designed to support the development and testing of emerging technologies.