MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed an executive order creating the Presidential Filipinnovation Awards, a new initiative that will recognize Filipino innovators and enterprises contributing to national development through innovation.

Executive Order (EO) No. 99, signed on October 6, is anchored on Republic Act No. 11293 or the “Philippine Innovation Act,” which promotes innovation as a key driver of national progress and sustainable economic growth.

Envisioned as the country’s most prestigious innovation competition, the Filipinnovation Awards aims to “bring out the best Filipino innovators and allow them to demonstrate their talents; serve as a platform to connect innovators with industry stakeholders and potential partners, including local and foreign investors; and foster a more robust innovation ecosystem in the country.”

The competition will be held annually to honor Filipino-owned and registered individuals or enterprises with products or services at the early stages of commercialization.

Winners will be awarded by the President or the Executive Secretary, by authority of the President, and will receive a medallion and a plaque bearing the seal, citation, and signature of the President. They will also receive grants or support such as mentorship, coaching, or opportunities to participate in international events to further promote and develop their innovations.

The National Innovation Council (NIC) will oversee the program’s implementation and establish a Selection Committee to manage the nationwide search, along with a Board of Judges at national and sub-national levels. These bodies will evaluate entries based on established criteria to ensure transparency and fairness.

Within 15 days from the EO’s effectivity, the NIC is directed to issue the implementing guidelines detailing the competition’s structure, stages, criteria, and responsibilities of the Selection Committee and the Board of Judges. The guidelines will also outline the benefits and incentives for awardees.

Initial funding for the awards will come from the current appropriations of NIC member-agencies. In subsequent years, the necessary funds will be included in their annual budget proposals, subject to standard budget preparation procedures.

The EO will take effect immediately upon its publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.