President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday urged Filipino innovators to continue developing solutions to modern challenges facing the country, including food insecurity, flooding, soil erosion, and energy shortages.
Speaking at the 2026 Presidential Filipinnovation Awards National Competition Awarding Ceremony, Marcos said Filipino innovators must be given opportunities to develop their ideas into practical solutions that can create a meaningful impact on the lives of Filipinos.
He said the PFA serves as a platform to showcase Filipino ingenuity while connecting innovators with industry stakeholders, partners, and investors and providing greater access to markets and investment opportunities.
“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,” Marcos 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,” he added.
Each awardee received a P 3.5 million cash grant, medallion and plaque, along with post-competition support, including P 1 million worth of expert mentorship to help scale up their winning innovations.
The President cited several local innovations that have benefited from government support, including the Immersive Gamification Technology System (ImGTS) developed by researchers from the University of the Philippines.
The ImGTS uses virtual reality and gamification to make rehabilitation more engaging for children with cerebral palsy and mobility limitations.
Marcos also cited 2025 PFA awardee Pili AdheSeal Inc., which developed Pili Seal, a sustainable adhesive and sealant made from upcycled pili tree resin waste.
The innovation has since gained international recognition, including its selection for Germany’s 2026 Circular Economy Accelerator Program and training in Singapore to strengthen its product development and global market readiness.
He said innovation is central to the national development agenda and is recognized under the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028 as a key driver of economic transformation, productivity, and competitiveness.
“This recognition is especially meaningful as the world continues to undergo profound transformation. Technologies are advancing at a pace that we have never seen before. Communities confronting the effects of climate change, while geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions test the resilience of economies and all our systems,” the President noted.
The Chief Executive called on innovators across the country to work with the government in addressing modern challenges and stressed that the competition marks only one milestone in their journey.
“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. 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,” he added.
The five innovators that received the 2026 Presidential Filipinnovation Awardees are:
Capistrano Research and Development on Bio Technology – Compact easy to operate economical biodiesel
Golden Sprout Corporation – Philippine Native Chicken helping the industry through scientific innovations
PDG Engineering Services – Saltric Marissa Turbine-turning river into 24/7 power for offgrid
Vic Metal Fabrication Environmental Services – Gastification process for waste disposal and advanced waste solution, and
Breath of Life Foundation Inc – OstreaVent2™ a prototype ventilator for mechanically ventilated adult patients.