Marcos Pushes Expanded Support for Filipino Inventors
MANILA — Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered government agencies to strengthen financial and technical support for Filipino inventors, underscoring their vital role in advancing innovation and national development.
The directive was issued during the 2026 National Invention Contest and Exhibits (NICE) Awards held at Malacañang, where the President recognized outstanding homegrown innovations.
“As President, I do not accept that there should be an uncertain future for our inventors,” Marcos said, stressing that promising ideas should not falter due to lack of institutional backing.
He instructed the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and other concerned agencies to enhance assistance programs, including expanded research and development grants, stronger intellectual property protection, and increased support for commercialization.
“These measures will help transform innovative ideas into startups and accelerate their adoption,” he added.
The NICE Awards, organized by the DOST’s Technology Application and Promotion Institute, is anchored on Republic Act No. 7459, which promotes and incentivizes Filipino innovation.
This year’s competition attracted 764 entries nationwide, with 28 finalists advancing to the final round.
Among the highlighted innovations were a portable multi-grain seeder with fertilizer applicator designed for small-scale farmers, an on-site African swine fever detection system to protect livestock, and an AI-powered chick counting device for poultry management—technologies aimed at addressing pressing challenges in agriculture and food security.
“These are the kinds of innovations we need—solutions that tackle real-world problems and improve the lives of Filipinos,” Marcos said.
Under Republic Act 7459, the government provides incentives, technical assistance, and market linkage support to help inventors bring their ideas to market.
Marcos assured awardees that government backing will extend beyond recognition, emphasizing a continued commitment to guide them toward successful commercialization.
NPO News Team | Philippine News Agency - PR
