THE GOVERNMENT initiated reforms to foster innovation across all sectors, a report released by the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) showed.
The 2024 Progress Report on the Implementation of the Philippine Innovation Act released by the DEPDev, which serves as the National Innovation Council (NIC) Secretariat, showed that reforms include the continued rollout of innovation grants, the conduct of policy studies and capacity-building initiatives, the expansion of the NIC Secretariat’s organizational structure, and the celebration of the 2024 National Innovation Day.
From Oct. 1 to Nov. 8, 2024, the NIC Secretariat received a total of 376 proposals from national government agencies, local government units (LGUs), state universities and colleges (SUCs), local universities and colleges, and government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs) with a total amount of PHP3.52 billion in fund requests.
Out of the 376 proposals received, 261 underwent technical evaluations, and 36 passed the hurdle rate of 75 percent.
The report also cited the launch of the National Innovation Monitoring and Evaluation Matrix (NIMEX), a unified framework designed to track innovation performance and ensure that government programs deliver measurable outcomes.
Alongside the National Innovation Agenda and Strategy Document 2023-2032, NIMEX provides strategic direction for scaling research and development, strengthening innovation financing, and nurturing innovation talent.
DEPDev said one of the landmark initiatives was the launch of the Filipinnovation Awards, which recognize Filipino innovators and enterprises with market-ready ideas that contribute to national progress.
The initiative was institutionalized through Executive Order No. 99, signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Oct. 6, 2025.
The EO formally establishes the Presidential Filipinnovation Awards as a national platform to honor innovation excellence and inspire wider participation in the country’s innovation ecosystem.
“The Progress Report shows how our reforms are translating into stronger innovation governance, more responsive programs, and a growing culture of creativity and collaboration,” said DEPDev Secretary and NIC Vice Chair Arsenio Balisacan.
“We are building an environment where innovation becomes a critical enabler of productivity, competitiveness, and inclusive development,” he added.
Last year, the Philippines ranked 53rd out of 133 economies in the Global Innovation Index, climbing three spots from the previous year.
The country also sustained recognition as an Innovation Overperformer from 2019 to 2024.
“The progress we’re seeing today is built on the strong groundwork laid in recent years. By sustaining our progress in implementing our strategies, we are enabling more Filipinos to contribute to and benefit from a competitive, knowledge-based economy,” Balisacan said. (PNA)
