TACLOBAN CITY – Across the country, a new wave of Filipino innovators is proving that technology and creativity can go hand in hand with inclusive growth ensuring that progress reaches not just urban centers, but also far-flung and underserved communities.
From climate-resilient farming tools that help smallholder farmers boost productivity, to mobile applications connecting micro-entrepreneurs with digital markets, projects that address climate change challenges while creating economic opportunities for marginalized sectors, these innovations share a common goal which is bridging gaps in access, income, and opportunity.
These and other innovations by great and pioneering minds in Eastern Visayas are being called by the Department of Economy, Planning and Development in Region 8 (DEPDev VIII) to submit their best innovations to the 2026 Presidential Filipinnovation Awards (PFA).
The PFA is a national competition recognizing breakthrough products and services with high potential for commercialization and impact. The initiative was established under Executive Order No. 99 of 2025 and is considered the country’s premier innovation recognition program.
Now in its second year, the awards aim to spotlight Filipino-owned innovations that are ready for early-stage commercialization and have the potential to address national development challenges.
According to DEPDev VIII Assistant Regional Director Jam Colas Villaber the awards provide a platform for individuals, startups and enterprises to showcase their solutions and gain support in scaling their ideas to market.
“The Filipinnovation Award provide more than trophies and cash prizes. They offer mentoring, business development support, and connections to financing institutions, helping promising ideas grow into sustainable enterprises,” Villaber said.
She believes Eastern Visayas abound in talented innovators with their remarkable innovations just waiting to be tapped.
Participants to the Filipinnovation Awards must be Filipino citizens or Filipino-owned registered enterprises, and entries must feature innovative products or services supported by functional prototypes and intellectual property filings.
The call for entries is open until March 15, 2026, with interested applicants encouraged to register and submit required documents through the official PFA portal https://filipinnovation.depdev.gov.ph/.
The competition is structured in two stages: subnational contests grouped into four geographic clusters, National Capital Region, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao followed by a national level showdown where up to 16 finalists compete for top honors. The subnational contest for the Visayas will be hosted by DEPDev VIII.
Entries will be judged on innovativeness, sustainability and scalability, marketability, and potential impact.
Winners of the Presidential Filipinnovation Awards will receive cash prizes and post-competition support, including mentoring, networking opportunities and assistance in accessing financing and market opportunities.
DEPDev shares that as the Philippines continues to pursue balanced and inclusive growth, recognizing and supporting socially responsive innovations signals a broader commitment, that progress must benefit many and not just a few.
With continued collaboration among government, private sector, and communities, innovation is becoming not just a driver of economic growth but a pathway toward shared prosperity.
(AHLETTE C. REYES, PIA-LEYTE)
