President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday directed government agencies to strengthen financial and technical support for Filipino inventors, emphasizing their role in driving innovation and national development.
Marcos made the call as he led the 2026 National Invention Contest and Exhibits (NICE) Awards in Malacañang, recognizing outstanding homegrown innovations.
“As President, I do not accept that there should be an uncertain future for our inventors,” he said.
“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 said he has instructed the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and other agencies to enhance assistance programs for inventors.
The President highlighted the need to expand research and development grants, strengthen intellectual property protection, and support the commercialization of innovations.
“This should help you transform your innovative ideas into startups and accelerate the adoption and commercialization of those inventions,” he added.
The NICE Awards is organized by the DOST’s Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI) and is anchored on Republic Act (RA) 7459, or the Inventors and Invention Incentives Act, which promotes Filipino innovation.
This year’s competition drew 764 entries nationwide, with 28 finalists selected.
Marcos cited several winning innovations, including a portable multi-grain seeder with fertilizer applicator suited for small-scale farmers, an on-site African swine fever detection system to help protect livestock, and an AI-powered chick counting device for poultry management.
He said such technologies address real-world challenges in agriculture and food security.
“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 said.
Under RA 7459, the government provides incentives, technical support, and market linkage to Filipino inventors to help bring their products from concept to commercialization.
Marcos assured awardees that government support will continue beyond recognition.
“This is only the beginning… we remain committed to helping you navigate the path forward,” he said. (PNA)
