The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. assured Filipino innovators of the science department’s continued support in turning promising ideas into solutions that can compete and create value in global markets.
Speaking at the 2026 Presidential Filipinnovation Awards National Competition held recently at the Crowne Plaza Galleria, Quezon City, Solidum emphasized that innovation must go beyond solving individual problems and should ultimately benefit communities. and the nation.
To relate it, he underscored the DOST’s principle of “Agham na Ramdam”—science that is felt in everyday life, from helping farmers improve productivity and strengthening food security to expanding access to healthcare and enabling children to learn despite barriers.
“Ang inyong mga karanasan at hamon ay ginawa ninyong daan tungo sa solusyon,” said Solidum told the finalists, highlighting how empathy in the face of necessity can drive meaningful innovation.”
(Your experiences and challenges have become pathways toward finding solutions.)
He challenged innovators to think beyond developing solutions for a few and instead pursue technologies that can scale and deliver benefits to many Filipinos.
Solidum believes the Presidential Filipinnovation Awards serves as a platform to connect innovators with investors, industry partners, and government agencies that can help advance their technologies.
“DOST stands ready to provide support in areas such as intellectual property protection, technical validation through the Philippine Technology Evaluation and Standards for Testing or PHITEST, and commercialization through initiatives such as the Synchronized Innovation and Business Oriented Launchpads or SIBOL.” said Solidum.
The DOST chief noted that Filipino innovations emerging from similar competitions have already gained recognition in international arenas, including Geneva, London, and Seoul, South Korea.
“That is proof that when Filipino ingenuity is given a fair stage and steady support, it does not merely compete—it prevails,” Solidum pointed out.
Looking ahead, Solidum called on the country’s innovation community to shift from isolated projects toward organized national capabilities by identifying strategic opportunities, addressing technological and industry bottlenecks, aligning expertise, and building solutions that can scale.
He urged universities, research institutions, industries, investors, and government agencies to work together in areas where the Philippines can establish a competitive advantage.
“Do not ask only what we can invent. Ask where the Philippines can become indispensable,” he said.
For Solidum, the next evolution of “Agham na Ramdam” is science organized into action and innovation deployed for the Philippines and the world.
PBBM reaffirms government support for Filipino innovation
Also delivering his message of support, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. emphasized that recognition must be matched with opportunities, sustained support, and market access to help Filipino innovations grow, scale, and create greater impact.
“To every innovator across the country, I know that you have come a long way to reach this point. I also know that there is still much to do to turn your ideas into solutions that can improve the lives of our people, our communities, and our nation,” said President Marcos.
He emphasized that the true measure of an innovator’s success goes beyond recognition, as it can be seen in the lives improved, opportunities created, and people inspired by their work.
“May you continue to give hope to aspiring innovators here and around the world. Because every innovation begins with an idea. Every idea, given the chance to grow, becomes a force for change.” said Pres. Marcos.
The 2026 Presidential Filipinnovation Awards National Competition is a national recognition program that honors Filipino innovators developing solutions aligned with the 10 priority areas of the National Innovation Agenda and Strategy Document (NIASD) 2023–2032.
Spearheaded by the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev), as Secretariat of the National Innovation Council (NIC), it recognizes innovations that contribute to addressing the country’s development challenges.
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) aims at providing science-based, innovative, and inclusive solutions across four strategic pillars: human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability. These pillars embody the mantra OneDOST4U: Solutions and Opportunities for All. For more information, visit www.dost.gov.ph. (By Allan Mauro V. Marfal, DOST-STII)