As the chief executive vowed stronger technical, financial support for Filipinos in tbe field.
Speaking at the 2026 National Invention Contest and Exhibits (NICE) Awarding Ceremony held at Malacañan Palace, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday (April 28) vowed to strengthen technical and financial support for Filipino inventors and innovators.
Underscoring the crucial role of innovation in driving growth and improvement in the lives of Filipinos, he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to advancing innovation in the country.
He also stressed that promising ideas should not only be developed but also reach the market to benefit the public.
“Hindi naman maikakaila na mahirap ang paglikha,” he told. “Maraming pagsubok ang kailangang lampasan tulad ng kakulangan sa pondo at limitadong access sa makabagong teknolohiya. Ngunit, higit pa rito, ang tunay na hamon ay kung paano ito madadala sa merkado upang mapakinabangan kaagad ng nakararami.”
He added that he does not accept that there is uncertainty in the future of inventors. “They have world-changing ideas, and we must watch them – we cannot watch them wither on the vine due to lack of institutional support,” he stated.
In line with this, he has given instructions to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and all other relevant government agencies to strengthen financial and technical support for inventors, the President added.
Through DOST-Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI) programs and services, he said that Filipino innovators now have better access to key resources.
The list include research and development grants, intellectual property protection, technology development, financing, commercialization, and pathways to global exposure.
The President said these programs aim to ensure that their innovations will “move forward to create a real and lasting impact.”
For this year’s NICE competition, the President said 28 finalists advanced from 764 entries nationwide.
Winning inventions and innovations include a compact neutron radiation measuring device and an affordable herbal cream for treating viral skin conditions under the Tuklas Award for outstanding inventions; a multi-grain precision seeder with fertilizer applicator under the Banghay Award for industrial design; and an on-site African Swine Fever detection system under the Likha Award for creative research.
Another winning innovation was an AI-powered optical chick counting device under the Sibol Award for outstanding student creative research.
The inventors and innovators behind the winning entries will also receive monetary prizes and accolades for their work.
“These are precisely the kinds of innovations that we seek, ones that offer solutions to real-world challenges and improve the lives of our fellow Filipinos,” he furthered.
“Nakakatuwang sabihin na sa mga imbensyon at pananaliksik na inyong pinaghirapan ay makikita natin ang sipag, ang talento, at talino ng mga Pinoy,” adding that the government will continue to support them throughout their journey..
The President also called on Filipinos to continue fostering creativity and innovation, as their inventions can contribute to national development and change lives.
“To every Filipino, let us all continue dreaming and follow their example. Continue dreaming and never stop creating. Naniniwala ako na ang inyong mga imbensyon ay may kakayahang magbago ng buhay at sa ganoon, ng bansa,” the President said.