MANILA -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. disclosed on Wednesday that the government remains steadfast in its commitment to nurturing innovation and sustainable development, reflected by the launching of the National Innovation Agenda and Strategy Document (NIASD).

In his message, President Marcos referred to the NIASD as a blueprint that will accelerate the country’s innovation governance as well as promote a culture of innovation among scientists, researchers, entrepreneurs, engineers, and citizens.

“This document is not just a plan but a commitment to making innovation an indispensable component of our nation’s development agenda, and a key driver in our vision to achieve a truly smart and innovative Philippines,” he said.

The first NIASD covers the period 2023-2032, with foundational strategies and reforms implemented within the ambit of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028.

There are ten innovation priority areas identified based on the Philippine Innovation Act, namely learning and education; health; food and agribusiness; finance; manufacturing and trade; transportation and logistics; public administration; security and defense; energy; and blue economy and water.

“We shall reform our education curriculum design and learning platforms to develop the creativity, curiosity, problem-solving skills, and entrepreneurial abilities of Filipinos for the 21st century,” President Marcos said.

“Likewise, we shall bolster spending for research and development (R&D); support local enterprises; ensure food security through smart agricultural inputs to empower local producers; facilitate efficient and secure financial services; accelerate digitalization efforts to boost manufacturing processes and commercialization of products and services; improve mobility through better urban-rural linkages, and reduce carbon footprints of our transport systems,” he added.

The chief executive is hopeful that with the NIASD, the Philippines would be able to position itself as a stalwart of innovation along with its neighboring countries in Southeast Asia.

“We are hopeful in the journey that we have taken, as it positions us to become a stalwart of innovation in this dynamic and promising region,” he said.

“This initiative promises the long-awaited transformation for our nation. It also represents the collective efforts of a society that is coming together in synergy,” he added. (PND)