President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is calling on Filipino innovators to come up with practical solutions to some of the country’s biggest problems, including food insecurity, flooding, soil erosion and energy shortages.
Marcos Jr. made the call during the 2026 Presidential Filipinnovation Awards National Competition awarding ceremony, where he urged innovators to turn their ideas into solutions that can directly improve the lives of Filipinos.
“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,” he said.
“I call on each of you to work with the government in addressing modern challenges—from food insecurity and flooding to soil erosion and energy shortages.”
The President said the awards give Filipino innovators a chance to showcase their work while connecting them with businesses, investors and other potential partners who can help bring their inventions to a wider market.
Five innovators were named this year’s Presidential Filipinnovation Awardees.
They are Capistrano Research and Development on Bio Technology for its compact and economical biodiesel technology; Golden Sprout Corp. for its scientific innovations involving Philippine native chicken; PDG Engineering Services for its turbine that generates electricity from rivers; Vic Metal Fabrication Environmental Services for its waste gasification technology; and Breath of Life Foundation Inc. for its OstreaVent2 ventilator prototype.
Each awardee will receive P3.5 million in cash, a medallion and plaque, as well as post-competition support, including P1 million worth of expert mentorship.
The other 11 finalists will each receive P250,000 to continue developing their innovations.
Marcos Jr. also cited Filipino inventions that have already benefited from government support, including the Immersive Gamification Technology System developed by University of the Philippines researchers.
The system uses virtual reality and gamification to make rehabilitation more engaging for children with cerebral palsy and mobility limitations.
He also highlighted Pili AdheSeal Inc., a 2025 awardee that developed Pili Seal, an adhesive and sealant made from upcycled pili tree resin waste.
Marcos said innovation will remain an important part of the government’s efforts to improve productivity, technology and the country’s competitiveness.
“The greater measure of your success will be found in the lives that you improve, the opportunities that you create, and the people that you will inspire,” he said.IMT
