President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has released an executive order (EO) creating the ‘Presidential Filipinnovation Awards’ – a program designed to honor exceptional Filipino innovators and enterprises that drive national development through innovation.
Executive Order 99, signed on October 6, is anchored on Republic Act No. 11293, also known as the ‘Philippine Innovation Act,’ which promotes innovation as a vital component of national development and sustainable economic growth.
The Presidential 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.’
Under this, a yearly competition will be held 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 with a medallion and a plaque bearing the seal and citation by the president or the executive secretary, by authority of the president.
Moreover, awardees will also receive grants and other forms of support such as mentorship, coaching and opportunities to join international events.
The EO will take effect immediately upon its publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation. /apl