CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Economy, Planning, and Development in Northern Mindanao (DEPDev-10) is calling on Filipino innovators to submit products and services ready for early-stage commercialization and with national impact to the 2026 Presidential Filipinnovation Awards (PFA).
Now in its second year, the PFA recognizes individuals, startups, and enterprises whose innovations address development needs and show potential for scaling.
DEPDev-10 Assistant Regional Director Richardson T. Cua said the PFA was established under Executive Order No. 99 of 2025, issued by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., and represents the country’s highest national recognition for Filipino innovation.
“This annual competition recognizes enterprises and individuals with Filipino-owned and registered innovative products or services that are currently at the early stages of commercialization. Through this initiative, local talents are highlighted and empowered, amplifying the role of innovation in driving the country’s economic development,” Cua said.
Chief Economic Development Specialist Catherine Marie V. Dela Rita of DEPDev-10’s Development Research, Communications, and Advocacy Division said the program aims to advance the country’s innovation agenda by recognizing, connecting, and enabling Filipino innovators with high potential for commercialization.
“The competition seeks to bring out the best Filipino innovators by providing a level playing field that enables them to showcase their talents, capabilities, and solutions irrespective of geographic location or institutional affiliation. It also aims to facilitate the commercialization of innovation by easing the pathway for innovators to navigate barriers in scaling, financing, and market access,” Dela Rita said.
The PFA is open to Filipino individuals and Filipino-owned enterprises registered with the Department of Trade and Industry, Securities and Exchange Commission, or Cooperative Development Authority. Teams representing applicants must have no more than three Filipino members.
“Entries must feature an innovative product or service that is ready for commercialization, supported by a functional prototype and a registered or ongoing application for intellectual property rights,” Dela Rita said.
The awards will be conducted in two stages. Subnational competitions will be held in four geographic clusters – the National Capital Region, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao – to encourage participation from regional innovation ecosystems. Up to 16 finalists, a maximum of four from each cluster, will advance to the national level.
Dela Rita said the criteria include 45 percent for innovativeness, which evaluates originality, distinctiveness, and technical performance; 30 percent for sustainability, scalability, and marketability, which assesses readiness for commercial deployment and long-term viability; and 25 percent for potential impact and relevance, which evaluates alignment and potential contribution.
Five finalists with the highest final rankings in the national competition will receive the Presidential Filipinnovation Award.
Finalists and awardees will also receive grants and access to post competition support.
Interested applicants may register, complete the application form, and submit required documents through the PFA portal at https://filipinnovation.depdev.gov.ph/. The application period runs from Jan. 15 to March 15, 2026.
To assist applicants in Northern Mindanao, DEPDev-10 will conduct a hand-holding activity on February 13 to provide guidance in the application process, share recommendations on preparing proposals, and support the submission of applications. (APB/PIA-10)
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