Marcos earmarks P30.4-B for sci-tech innovation

The proposed 2026 national budget includes a substantial P30.4 billion allocation for the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)  to push for a strategic investment in cutting-edge research, advanced technologies, and transformative development initiatives, according to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. 

“Fueling the country’s drive toward innovation-led growth, the DOST will receive Php 30.4 billion in 2026 to power cutting-edge research, breakthrough technologies, and transformative development initiatives,” Marcos said in his budget message on Wednesday.

Marcos said the budget reflects the administration's commitment to positioning science, technology, and innovation (STI) as key pillars of national development, resilience, and global competitiveness.

The R&D institutes of the DOST will be funded with Php 3.9 billion in 2026, supporting, among others, the conduct of research and utilization of technologies in industrial manufacturing, mineral processing, and energy (P246 million); textiles (P203 million); advanced fields of study, including microelectronics and information technology (P193 million); wood and non-wood products (P116 million); metal casting, metal working, and surface engineering (P110 million); and food and nutrition (P93 million).

These projects are expected to yield technologies that not only drive economic progress but also solve practical problems faced by industries and communities.

Supporting future scientists

Marcos said education remains a priority, thus the government has allocated P8.3 billion allocated to support 65,097 science scholars across the country including 54,305 under the Science Education Institute (SEI) and 10,792 from the Philippine Science High School (PSHS) System. 

Marcos noted these programs aim to develop the country’s next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators.

Also, the Grants-in-Aid (GIA) program will receive ₱8.9 billion, funding research under the Harmonized National R&D Agenda (HNRDA). 

This ensures scientific efforts align with national priorities for maximum economic and social impact.

Funded under this program are P1.2 billion for the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources R&D (PCAARRD), as well as P769 million for the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD)

The Science for Change Program, with P737 million, will fund 56 innovation projects and establish critical R&D infrastructure, while the Balik Scientist Program (P109 million) continues its effort to attract top Filipino scientists back home — 679 have returned so far.

To further the goals of the National Innovation Agenda and Strategy, Marcos said the Innovation Fund will receive P100 million, supporting research, product development, and unique local solutions to pressing challenges.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) is also receiving a significant boost, with P1.4 billion set aside to develop and operate new space-enabled services; enhance Philippine satellite capabilities; and establish local facilities to rebuild the MULA (Multispectral Unit for Land Assessment) satellite.