NEDA continues promotion of innovation roadmap in the Visayas

To promote the regional implementation of the National Innovation Agenda and Strategy Document (NIASD) 2023-2032 in the Visayas, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) conducted the NIASD Roadshow in Iloilo City on November 17, 2023.

“We are conducting these regional roadshows to first raise awareness about the NIASD, and then to discuss how the regions can contribute to the implementation of this innovation roadmap,” said NEDA Undersecretary Rosemarie G. Edillon.

The NIASD details the Philippines’ 10-year vision and long-term goals for innovation that aims to transform the country into a smart and innovative nation that is productive, resilient, sustainable, and inclusive.

“As the highest policy-making body in the country, the National Innovation Council (NIC) remains steadfast in mainstreaming innovation in sectoral and local plans, and investment programs. It also aims to strengthen the capability of the NIC itself and its member agencies in coordinating the country’s innovation goals, priorities, and strategies in the regions,” the NEDA official said.

Senate President Pro Tempore Loren B. Legarda, principal author and sponsor of the Philippine Innovation Act also sent her message expressing support for the NIC initiatives.

“Innovation is a significant component of the country’s development policies that will drive the Philippines not only to achieve inclusive growth and development but also to become one of the innovation leaders in Asia,” Legarda said.

During the breakout sessions, national and regional stakeholders participated in the NIASD 2023-2032 Regional Implementation Workshop which was conducted simultaneously with the co-creation of the National Innovation Communication Plan (NICP).

The NIASD workshop focused on identifying existing innovation policies, infrastructures, programs, and the potential contributions of the regions to the core targets of the NIASD. Meanwhile, the NICP co-creation activity aimed to gather insights to effectively communicate the innovation agenda within their respective sectors.

The event was also graced by the NIC Executive Members (EMs) Dr. Ria Liza C. Canlas, Dr. Rex Victor O. Cruz, and Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo to gather support from their respective sectors. The NIC-EMs emphasized their role in bridging the gap amongst innovation actors, leveraging on collaborations between the industry, academe, and government as key to socio-economic development, recovery, and resiliency.

They were also joined by innovation champions from the regions. These were Ms. Velma Jane C. Lao from Iloilo City government’s Innovate Iloilo, Mr. Rayjand T. Gellamucho of Unified Movement in Western Visayas to Accelerate Startup and Spinoff Development (UMWAD), Ms. Ma. Adelfa A. Lagpas of Peddlr, an innovative mobile Point of Sale (POS) and inventory management application and Mr. Matthew C. Martirez of Rezbin, also a mobile application using advanced technology to track plastic donations and reward individuals with points.

The event gathered participants from the academe, the private sector, and government agencies in the Visayas region. They all came together to convene and collaborate in pursuit of a dynamic innovation ecosystem in the regions.

The NEDA Innovation Staff, serving as the NIC Secretariat, organized the NIASD Roadshow and consultation workshops for NICP. The final leg, which is in Mindanao, is scheduled to take place in the last week of November.