President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed government agencies, led by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), to expand technical and financial support for Filipino inventors and innovators as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s innovation ecosystem.
Speaking at the 2026 National Invention Contest and Exhibits (NICE) awarding ceremony in Malacañang, the President acknowledged the challenges inventors face—from developing ideas to securing funding and bringing products to market.
Marcos said innovative ideas should not be lost due to lack of institutional support.
“As President, I cannot accept a future where our inventors are left uncertain. They have ideas that can change lives, and we cannot allow these to wither simply because of insufficient institutional backing,” he said.
He added that he has instructed the DOST and other agencies to enhance programs that provide funding and technical guidance to inventors nationwide.
The President highlighted existing initiatives under the DOST’s Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI), which offer research and development grants, intellectual property support, and assistance in turning inventions into viable startups. These programs also aim to accelerate commercialization and promote wider adoption of Filipino innovations locally and abroad.
Marcos noted that advances in digital technology have made it easier for Filipino-made inventions to reach global markets.
“Through these efforts, we aim to ensure your innovations move forward and create meaningful, lasting impact,” he said. “As industries develop further, more opportunities will open and more tools will become available to improve daily life.”
He assured inventors of continued government support. “Your government will always stand with you and support you throughout your journey,” he added.
This year’s NICE competition recognized innovations across various fields. Tuklas Award winners included a compact neutron radiation measuring device and a cashew-based herbal cream for treating viral skin conditions.
Other awardees included a multi-grain precision seeder with fertilizer applicator (Banghay Award), an on-site African Swine Fever detection system (Likha Award), and an AI-powered optical chick-counting device (Sibol Award).