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By Heherson Valdez
To increase public awareness of its programs, services, as well as its initiatives to the public, the Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI) unveiled its Digital Gate Campaign. This campaign also employs a strategic, pop-culture–inspired communication approach to laymanize complex science, technology, and innovation (STI) related information and make it instantly accessible.
Turning innovations into commercialized ventures in the Philippines comes with numerous challenges, including limited access to funding, a weak culture of innovation, and difficulties in connecting with both national and global networks. This was reflected in the 2024 Global Innovation Index (GII) by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), where the Philippines ranked 53rd out of 133 economies, signaling moderate innovation capability and output. While this is commendable among lower-middle-income countries, it still falls short of international benchmarks.
Moreover, the 2025 Global Startup Ecosystem Index by StartupBlink revealed a further drop in ranking to 64th place, marking the country’s fourth consecutive year of decline. This trend highlights systemic issues in building and sustaining a globally-competitive startup ecosystem.
Although the Philippines is rich in homegrown innovations, many Filipino innovators and science-based enterprises continue to struggle with commercialization and adoption. A key factor is the lack of awareness about the government’s innovation-focused programs and services.
Through Digital Gate, DOST-TAPI seeks to break down these barriers by translating its programs and services into relatable, easy-to-digest content and making innovation more inclusive and accessible to all Filipinos.
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By Mirielle Vacal
Official Photo of Engr. Mark Kennedy Bantugon on the EPO Website: https://www.epo.org/en/news-events/young-inventors-prize/mark-kennedy-bantugon
Bicutan, Taguig - Engr. Mark Kennedy Bantugon, a trailblazing Filipino inventor from Batangas and a distinguished program proponent of the DOST-TAPI, is poised to make history as he competes among the world’s best and brightest young minds in the European Patent Office (EPO) “Tomorrow’s Shape: Young Inventors Prize 2025”. He is one of the ten exceptionally-talented individuals vying for the top honors, and the Philippines has a unique opportunity to advance him to victory through a global public vote.
From harnessing the potential of a pili tree to develop a sustainable adhesive for the aviation industry, Engr. Bantugon, through his “Pili Adheseal” innovation, has been consistently elevating the profile of Filipino innovation on the global stage. His remarkable work has earned him the 2021 James Dyson Award and the distinction of being the first Filipino recipient of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) National Award for Inventor, the highest recognition given by the esteemed WIPO in Geneva, Switzerland.
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