The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) led the commemoration of the 2nd National Innovation Day today at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City, marking a significant milestone in the country's pursuit of a dynamic innovation ecosystem supporting inclusive socioeconomic development.
The celebration was centered around the theme of “HABI: Huddle, Analyze, Build, and Innovate,” providing a platform for diverse innovation actors and stakeholders from various sectors to convene and collaborate towards enhancing innovation in the country.
As weaving requires interlacing different threads, a dynamic and robust innovation ecosystem requires the same: intentionally interlacing various key actors, players, and institutions to invoke a strong sense of synergy and collaboration to solve society’s problems,” said NEDA Secretary and vice chair of the National Innovation Council Arsenio M. Balisacan in his welcome remarks.
Balisacan emphasized the historical significance of promoting innovation. He identified innovation and technological advancements as the primary catalysts for sustained improvements in the general well-being of individuals.
“Improvements in productivity across various industries and sectors, driven by the adoption and diffusion of novel processes and more efficient tools, led to greater output per unit of input – effectively enabling societies to multiply their resources significantly and improve quality of life over time, even as population levels grew,” said Balisacan.
Finally, the country’s chief economist reiterated the Marcos Administration’s commitment to promoting research, development, technology, and innovation in the Philippines.
President Marcos, Jr. has prioritized innovation and actively directed the National Innovation Council’s policies and priorities as its Chairperson. Thus, the public sector is committed to prioritizing programs, activities, and projects that allow for the full implementation of the Philippine Innovation Act, said Balisacan.
The attendees to the National Innovation Day 2023 consisted of guests from various sectors, including the National Innovation Council, development partners, foreign dignitaries, private sector representatives, startups, MSMEs, members of the academic community, and the youth.
The commemoration of National Innovation Day is in accordance with the Philippine Innovation Act (Republic Act No. 11293), which designates April 21 of each year as a special working public holiday with the objective of fostering public awareness and national support for innovation. This year’s commemoration was held on April 28, 2023, as opposed to its originally scheduled date of April 21, due to the special non-working holiday on April 21 in observance of Eid al-Fitr.