BATANGAS CITY – The Embassy of Israel in the Philippines led by Ambassador Ilan Fluss launched an innovation exhibit entitled “From Israel to Batangas: Exploring Innovation Together (Laurel Legacy Lecture)” at the Lyceum of the Philippines (LPU) main campus here on Monday, October 2.
Fluss said through this innovation exhibit, the Israeli Embassy holds the importance of strengthening bilateral academic and cultural ties between Israel and the Philippines while fostering knowledge exchange in science, technology, and innovation.
The exhibit featured a photo display of Israel’s innovative solutions which have been adapted and implemented in the Philippines such as Viber, Waze, Gal mobile, drip irrigation, and hydroponics.
ISRAEL Ambassador Ilan Fluss talks to students, officials, and faculty of the Lyceum of the Philippines (LPU) Batangas main campus about technology innovation at the launching of the innovation exhibit on Monday, October 2, in Batangas City. (Danny Estacio)
“Israel, the Land of Innovation, continues to share its expertise with the Philippines towards innovation. Through this innovation exhibit, we hope to inspire the Lyceans to think creatively and develop innovative ideas. Together, we can shape a brighter future through innovation,” Fluss said.
Fluss was welcomed by Paolo S. Laurel, vice president for Institutional Affairs; Dr. Carina Magtibay, dean of the College of Allied Medical Professions; Batangas provincial administrator Wilfredo Racelis, and university faculty.
The ambassador emphasized that Israel is supportive of launching the National Innovation Agenda and Strategy Document (NIASD) of the Philippines led by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. recently.
He added that Israel is known as a Start-Up Nation and highlights the importance of startups in fostering innovation.
Fluss said Israel's startup scene has seen remarkable growth in the past 10 years.
Israeli tech companies managed to raise $95 billion between 2013 and 2022. This places Israel as the sixth-largest startup fundraising hub in the world during that time.
In 2022, Israel ranked 16th among the 132 economies featured in the Global Innovation Index.
The event coincides with the 57th founding anniversary of LPU-Batangas. A photo display is ongoing for the Lycean community at the Freedom Hall, Sotero H. Laurel Building, from October 2 to October 6.
The LPU is the first university outside Metro Manila where the innovation mission of Israel is being launched and also will be featured in different universities and government offices throughout the Philippines.