President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has issued an executive order (EO) establishing the Presidential Filipinnovation Awards, an initiative that will recognize outstanding Filipino innovators and enterprises contributing to the country’s development through innovation.
Signed on October 6, EO 99 is anchored on Republic Act (RA) No. 11293 or the “Philippine Innovation Act,” which promotes innovation as a vital component of national development and sustainable economic growth.
Envisioned to be the country’s most prestigious innovation competition, the Filipinnovation Awards aims to “bring out the best Filipino innovators and allow them to demonstrate their talents; serve as a platform to connect innovators with industry stakeholders and potential partners, including local and foreign investors; and foster a more robust innovation ecosystem in the country.”
It will be an annual competition to honor Filipino-owned and registered individuals or enterprises whose products or services are at the early stages of commercialization.
The winners will be awarded by the President or the Executive Secretary, by authority of the President. They will receive a medallion and a plaque bearing the seal, citation, and signature of the President.
In addition, awardees will also receive a grant or support such as mentorship, coaching, or opportunities to participate in international events to further promote and develop their innovations.
The National Innovation Council (NIC) will establish a Selection Committee to manage the nationwide search and to form a Board of Judges at both national and sub-national levels. These bodies will evaluate submissions based on established criteria and ensure transparency and fairness throughout the process.
Within 15 days from the effectivity of the EO, the NIC is directed to issue the implementing guidelines, which will outline the competition’s structure, mechanics, stages, selection criteria, and the responsibilities of the Selection Committee and the Board of Judges. It will also detail the benefits and incentives awarded to winners.
Initial funding requirements will be sourced from the current appropriations of NIC member-agencies. For succeeding years, the necessary funding will be included in the budget proposal of these agencies, subject to the usual budget preparation process.
The EO will take effect immediately upon its publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation. | PND
