| Photo by Gab Billiones/Facebook
NEW YORK – To commemorate National Women’s Month, the Philippine Consulate General in New York (PCGNY), in partnership with the National Innovation Council of the Philippines and Dream Bigger Ventures, hosted a conversation with Filipina leaders in tech and business at the Philippine Center.
Trade Commissioner Benedict Uy welcomed young professionals in the tech, investment, business, and financial services sectors and members of the public. He said the Philippine Consulate will regularly engage in this event to encourage young Filipino Americans to contribute to a dynamic innovation ecosystem.
Earl Martin Valencia, co-founder of Plentina and Executive Member of the National Innovation Council of the Philippines (NIC), presented Republic Act No. 11293, or the Philippine Innovation Act (PIA), signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte on April 17. 2019. Valencia said the law adopts innovation as a vital component of the country’s policies to drive inclusive development and promote growth and national competitiveness of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME).
According to Valencia, “(f)rom fragmented and disharmonized initiatives, an enhanced national innovation system will further boost economic growth. As the innovation ecosystem enabler, the government will drive more innovation outputs by providing more innovation inputs through policy, financing, infrastructure, and culture.”
“This revitalized innovation ecosystem is the key to achieving a smart and innovative Philippines – a productive, resilient, sustainable, and inclusive nation by 2032,” Valencia said.
The critical points of the Philippine Innovation Act:
- Placing innovation at the Center: Innovation is placed at the core of development policies, considering the country’s advantages and opportunities in the regional and global economic arena. Efforts are directed toward helping the poor, marginalized, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) participate in the domestic and global supply chain.
- Promoting Strategic Planning and Innovation Culture: The state encourages a culture of strategic planning and innovation. Effective knowledge creation, dissemination, and utilization are essential for sustainable economic and social development.
- Investments in Education and Innovation: The state invests in education, science, technology, and innovation to strengthen the country’s knowledge-based economic development. Skilled, talented, and creative individuals, including women and youth, are crucial for fostering innovation.
- Effective Innovation Ecosystem: The state recognizes the importance of an efficient innovation ecosystem across various policy areas, including MSME development, education, trade, investment, finance, and agriculture. A “whole of government” approach ensures policy coherence and effective coordination in program delivery.
- Governance for Maximizing Benefits: Effective governance enables and maximizes the benefits of the country’s innovation policy
Besides Valencia, four women served as resource speakers and shared their respective expertise and experiences in navigating tech, business, and investment:
- Jox Petiza, Senior Partner, Luxury and Beauty, EssenceMediaCom
- Carina Oriel, Head of Rise New York, Rise, created by Barclays
- Alissa Beltran, Manager, Strategy and Transformation, EY
- Kim de los Reyes, CEO+Founder of Seek Health AI
Christeen Rico, founder of Dream Bigger Ventures, moderated the panel discussion. Edil Cuepo, founder of Pickle Media, provided exclusive social media coverage.
In his brief closing remarks, which Uy delivered on behalf of Consul General Senen T. Mangalile, he said: “The accomplishments of our speakers and participants today are not just personal triumphs,” Mangalile wrote, “they are victories for the entire Filipino community. They serve as a reminder that when Filipinas are allowed to lead and innovate, they not only rise to the occasion but also raise the bar for excellence.”
–With Ricky Rillera/PDM
