Marcos orders gov't agencies to support celebration of national innovation day
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. (MB File Photo)
All government agencies and instrumentalities were directed to support the celebration of the 2026 National Innovation Day, scheduled on April 28 to 29, Malacañang said.
President Marcos made the directive through Memorandum Circular No. 115.
Marcos also encouraged local government units (LGUs) and the private sector to actively participate in the nationwide observance.
National Innovation Day is celebrated every April 21 pursuant to Republic Act No. 11293 or the Philippine Innovation Act, which promotes innovation as a key driver of national development and sustainable economic growth.
This year’s celebration, themed “AGOS ASEAN: Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Growth, Opportunity, and Sustainability in ASEAN,” forms part of the Philippines’ activities as Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2026.
The event aims to recognize outstanding innovators across ASEAN, promote collaboration among government, industry, academe, and startups, and strengthen public support for innovation.
It will also highlight the role of AI in improving public services, driving industry transformation, and addressing societal challenges.
The celebration will feature ASEAN-focused initiatives showcasing AI-enabled solutions in key sectors such as food and agribusiness, health and well-being, and education, as well as innovation-driven approaches to climate change mitigation and adaptation.
The National Innovation Council (NIC) has been tasked with leading the planning and implementation of the activities in coordination with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of Education (DepEd), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).