Last June 30, the National Innovation Council (NIC), chaired by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., approved the National Innovation Agenda and Strategy Document (NIASD) 2023-2032, outlining the country’s plan to improve innovation governance and establish a dynamic innovation ecosystem. Innovation is key to fast-tracking economic recovery that was stalled by the three-year coronavirus pandemic. Facing this challenge head-on, President Marcos’ economic management team has implemented policies and programs that have brought the country back to the mainstream of steady growth. The national innovation strategy reflects the government’s firm determination to ensure the attainment of the country’s preferred future by AmBisyon 2040: “Matatag, Maginhawa, at Panatag na Buhay para sa Lahat. By 2040, Filipinos enjoy strongly rooted family and community ties, a comfortable lifestyle, and a secure future.” The innovation ecosystem is five-pronged. Good governance is the driver, adequate infrastructure is the foundation. With correct policies in place, a culture of continuous improvement will foster innovation that is financially sustainable. Four innovation priority goals have been identified. First, a proactive, smart and innovative people will be developed by life-long learning and educational systems;  second, a competitive and resilient economy that enables the attainment of food sufficiency and produces export-competitive goods and services; third, collaborative and reliable institutions in transportation and logistics; national and local government; security and defense; and fourth, a sustainable environment conserving marine and freshwater resources. So far, the NIC has approved 19 project proposals amounting to ₱115 million from the Innovation Fund that aims to foster micro- small, and medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs). A good example of innovation that creates significant multiplier impact is 2023 Manila Bulletin UPLIFT awardee Jocelyn Mamar. She is the owner of John and Marga Nursery Farm in Davao del Sur, Cavite, and Bacolod, a Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and Agriculture Training Institute (ATI) learning center. It supplies seedlings to private clients, as well as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for its farm livelihood program aimed at Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) recipients. President Marcos, who is chair of the NIC with Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan as vice-chair, has named six out of seven private sector representatives who will join 16 national government Council members. The appointees include a respected marine scientist; a leading university’s innovation director; an award-winning social entrepreneur; a seasoned expert in information and communications technology; a provincial state university president; and a financial technology and robotics expert. Another seat is reserved for a climate change expert. The government contingent is composed of Cabinet secretaries representing the following portfolios: science and technology; trade and industry; environment and natural resources; health; energy; transportation; national defense; information and communications technology; budget and management; interior and local government; foreign affairs; labor and employment; basic education and higher education. The director-general of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines is also a council member. Effective innovation governance will propel government’s initiatives toward uplifting our people’s quality of life and enabling them to lead fulfilling, self-sufficient lives.