By Brian Campued
“As President, I do not accept that there should be an uncertain future for our inventors.”
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday recognized Filipino inventors for their efforts at creating real and lasting impact through their ingenuity and reiterated the administration’s commitment to providing necessary support to homegrown innovations.
Speaking at the 2026 National Invention Contest and Exhibits (NICE) Awards in Malacañan Palace, Marcos underscored the need to nurture Filipino ingenuity for national development, noting that he cannot let their world-changing ideas “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 strengthen financial and technical support for inventors, including expanding research and development grants, protecting intellectual property rights, and promoting their innovations to the global community.
“These should help you transform your innovative ideas into startups and accelerate the adoption and commercialization of those inventions,” Marcos said.
“So please rest assured that your government will always stand with you, ready to support you on your journey,” he continued.
Organized by the DOST – Technology Application and Promotion Institute and anchored on Republic Act No. 7459, or the Inventors and Invention Incentives Act, the NICE Awards aims to strengthen marketing, promotion, and support for DOST-generated technologies and homegrown inventions.
Out of 764 entries nationwide this year, 28 finalists were selected and were given accolades under Tuklas Award for outstanding inventions, Banghay Award for outstanding industrial design, Likha Award for outstanding creative research, and Sibol Award for outstanding student creative research.
“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,” the President said.
“Nakatutuwang sabihin na sa mga imbensyon at pananaliksik na inyong pinaghirapan ay makikita natin ang sipag, ang talento, at talino ng mga Pinoy.”
-av
