The Center for CES Development (CCD) hosted an enlightening Breakfast Chat featuring Mr. Florante D. Galura Jr., the Officer-In-Charge of the Innovation Staff and the Chief of the Innovation Fund Management Division of the National Economic and Development Authority. This engaging event took place on the 23rd of March 2024 at the DAP Conference Center in Tagaytay.
Setting the tone, VP Caparros welcomed the MMC Batch 33 with her warm opening remarks.
CCD Vice President Nanette C. Caparros delivered the welcome remarks, encouraging the scholars to pose questions, and integrate the national agenda into their respective Capstone Project (CP) plans.
Following the opening remarks, Mr. Galura took the floor, delivering four key points in his talk. First, he expounded on the State of the Philippine Innovation Ecosystem, emphasizing the need for fostering an environment conducive to innovation as an integral facet of the nation’s economic landscape. Despite ranking 5th among ASEAN nations in the 2022 Global Innovation Index, the Philippines is still a step behind in innovation outputs.
Secondly, Mr. Galura talked about the significance of Republic Act No. 11293, known as the Philippine Innovation Act, underscoring its pivotal role in advancing innovation in the country. He illustrated this with the anecdote of banana ketchup envisioned by Maria Orosa, symbolizing Filipinos’ adaptability and innovativeness. Mobilizing innovation enablers, enhancing strategic planning, fortifying innovation governance, and fostering an entrepreneurial spirit were among the strategies delineated to achieve targets.
The third focal point of his discussion was the National Innovation Agenda and Strategy Document (NIASD) 2023 – 2032, aligning with the Philippines Development Plan (2023 – 2028). Mr. Galura explained the assessment criteria for allocating innovation funds to implementing entities. He also presented 25 approved projects granted funds in 2022, providing scholars with a framework to formulate it to their CP.
Mr. Galura invites all the scholars to the upcoming 2024 National Innovation Day themed “HABI 2.0” (Huddle, Analyze, Build, Innovate).
The fourth and last key message centered on the ongoing activities of the National Innovation Council (NIC), aimed at advancing the national innovation agenda. Mr. Galura mentioned the importance of collective engagement in shaping the nation’s innovative landscape.
Some participants who asked questions were Luzviminda E. Saludares of DepEd Region IV (left photo) and Alexcenah S. Dela Vega of DICT Central Office (right photo).
Afterwards, the session transitioned into a dynamic open forum, where attendees probed Officer-In-Charge Galura on the key points and the challenges inherent in implementing the national innovation plan. The discussion evolved into a constructive discourse, with Mr. Galura delving into potential future scenarios. Briefly touching upon the “unwanted futures” namely “masakuna, langit-lupa, at mabagal,” he contrasted them with the aspirational vision encapsulated in Ambisyon Natin 2040 — a future characterized by “matatag, maginhawa, at panatag na buhay.”
The event ended successfully with Mr. Mangulabnan giving formal thanks (left photo) and VP Caparros and Director Nieves presenting gifts and token of appreciation to the guest speaker (right photo).
Concluding the event, Mr. Bernard Paul M. Mangulabnan of the Middle Managers Class Batch 33 – Balaghan extended the Vote of Thanks, followed by the presentation of token of appreciation by VP Caparros and Director Myda Nieves. The event culminated successfully, with participants enriched with deeper insights into the National Innovation Agenda, thanks to the enlightening chat with Mr. Galura!
