Marcos orders, vows more financial, tech support for PH inventors

MANILA, Philippines — In order to further support the country’s inventors, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday said he ordered the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to boost financial and technical support for them.

He made rhe announcement during the 2026 National Invention Contest and Exhibits (NICE) Awarding Ceremony in Malacañan Palace, where he highlighted the crucial role that innovation plays in driving growth and improvement in the lives of Filipinos.

“It cannot be denied that creating is difficult. Many challenges must be overcome, such as a lack of funding and limited access to modern technology. However, beyond these, the real challenge is how to bring it to the market so that it can be immediately utilized by the majority,” Marcos said in Filipino.

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“As President, I do not accept that there should be an uncertain future for our inventors. They have world-changing ideas, and we must watch them – we cannot watch them wither on the vine due to lack of institutional support. And this is why I have given instructions to the Department of Science and Technology and all other relevant government agencies to strengthen financial and technical support for our inventors,” he added.

According to Marcos, the DOST-Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI) programs and services gave Filipino innovators better access to research and development grants, intellectual property protection, and technology development, and pave ways to global exposure.

He said these programs target to ensure that their innovations will “move forward to create a real and lasting impact.”

For this year’s NICE competition, 28 finalists advanced from 764 entries nationwide.

Winning inventions and innovations include a compact neutron radiation measuring device and an affordable herbal cream for treating viral skin conditions under the Tuklas Award for outstanding inventions; a multi-grain precision seeder with a fertilizer applicator under the Banghay Award for industrial design; and an on-site African Swine Fever detection system under the Likha Award for creative research. 

An artificial intelligence-powered optical chick-counting device also won under the 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. Nakakatuwang sabihin na sa mga imbensyon at pananaliksik na inyong pinaghirapan ay makikita natin ang sipag, ang talento, at talino ng mga Pinoy,” Marcos said.

“Please rest assured, your government will always stand with you, ready to support you on your journey,” the President added. /gsg