The Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) today commended President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for signing Executive Order (EO) No. 99, which formally establishes the “Presidential Filipinnovation Awards.” This prestigious national recognition honors outstanding Filipino innovators and enterprises whose contributions are vital to the country’s economic progress.
Anchored on the Republic Act (RA) No. 11293 or the “Philippine Innovation Act,” EO No. 99 solidifies the government’s commitment to positioning innovation as a central pillar for sustainable and inclusive growth. The initiative directly supports the Administration’s goal of building a more competitive, knowledge-based, and innovation-led economy.
“This initiative highlights the vital role of innovation in shaping a more dynamic, competitive, and inclusive economy,” said DEPDev Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan. “We thank President Marcos for institutionalizing this recognition, which will inspire more Filipino individuals and enterprises to innovate for economic development.”
Envisioned to be the country’s most distinguished innovation competition, the Presidential Filipinnovation Awards will serve multiple key functions:
Showcase Talent: Highlight and celebrate the best Filipino innovators and their exceptional talents.
Foster Partnerships: Connect innovators with industry stakeholders, potential partners, and investors, both local and foreign.
Strengthen the Ecosystem: Foster a more robust innovation ecosystem across the nation.
Starting this year, Filipino-owned and registered individuals or enterprises with early-stage commercialized innovations will be honored annually. Winners will receive a medallion and plaque bearing the President’s citation and signature, along with grants and essential support such as mentorship, coaching, and opportunities to participate in international innovation events.
To ensure integrity and transparency, the National Innovation Council (NIC) will establish a Selection Committee and a Board of Judges at both national and sub-national levels to oversee the nationwide search and evaluate submissions based on established criteria.
Secretary Balisacan emphasized that the Awards are more than a celebration; they are a catalyst for nurturing a culture of innovation across sectors. “Innovation thrives when government, industry, academe, and communities work together. This EO reinforces our collective mission to build a future where Filipino ideas translate into marketable and game-changing solutions,” he stated.
The Awards are part of the NIC’s broader efforts to advance national progress. In a strong showing of the country’s rising status, the Philippines recently climbed to 50th place out of 139 economies in the 2025 Global Innovation Index (GII)—its highest ranking to date.
Fifteen finalists have already been identified for the inaugural national competition scheduled for November 5 to 6, 2025. These finalists will pitch their ideas before the national board of judges and a live audience for a chance to become one of the five Presidential Filipinnovation Awardees of the year. They will also showcase their innovative products, services, and processes through exhibits attended by various stakeholders.
