By Mirielle Vacal
Bicutan, Taguig City — The Department of Science and Technology–Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST–TAPI) is set to mark its 39th Anniversary on January 30, highlighting a year of transformative achievements while unveiling an ambitious roadmap that positions Filipino innovation for greater global impact.
Guided by the theme Ad Meliora, “Toward Better Things Delivered, this year’s anniversary underscores the agency’s enduring role as a mentor, enabler, and bridge for Filipino innovators, partners, and institutions working to turn ideas into real-world solutions.
“For nearly four decades, DOST–TAPI has served as a steady partner to Filipino innovators, helping them navigate the journey from invention to industry,” the agency shared ahead of the celebration. “Every spark of innovation we support carries with it hope for the nation.”
A Landmark Year of Performance and Governance
In 2025, DOST–TAPI reached a historic milestone, achieving 100% financial obligation across all divisions while delivering 118% of its physical targets; a testament to disciplined execution and operational excellence.
The agency also elevated its governance standards, earning the Gold Trailblazer Award alongside PRIME-HRM Level II accreditation.
Telling the Story of Filipino Innovation
DOST–TAPI’s communication initiatives earned national recognition through Anvil Awards and Philippine Quill Awards, reinforcing its commitment to telling the story of Filipino innovation with credibility and impact.
Filipino Technologies Shine on the World Stage
Through Project PADAGHAN, Filipino inventions captured global attention at platforms such as the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas and the UK STI Mission.
While under the 'Shape the Future through Innovations' campaign, marking the Philippines' strategic return to the global stage at the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva (IEIG) in Switzerland, earning Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals. Technologies, including Coir-reinforced Bio-Based High-Density Polyurethane Composite for Structural Panels, Continuous Screw Type Salt Washer, Three-in-One Mobile Salt Crusher, Washer and Harvester Equipment, SeeYouDoc, and HazardHunterPH showcased the country’s readiness to compete internationally.
Local Impact, National Investment
While gaining global recognition, DOST–TAPI continued strengthening grassroots innovation. Assisted events such as the HANDA Pilipinas, Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW), National Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (NSTW), and Sustainability Expo (SUSTEX) delivered resilience technologies to vulnerable communities, while the Regional Invention Contest and Exhibits by Cluster (ClusteRICE) 2025 identified and empowered innovation champions nationwide.
In 2025, the DOST-TAPI, in collaboration with the Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology (APCTT) and supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), launched the International Conference and Exposition on Innovations (ICE on I) under the Philippines' International Exposition of Technologies (PHILIPPiNEXT) campaign. This landmark event positioned the Philippines as a regional hub for intellectual property (IP) commercialization and climate-responsive technology.
Stronger Partnerships, Stronger Ecosystem
DOST–TAPI also continues to reinforce the innovation ecosystem through an active SAGE Council and strengthened partnerships with LandBank, PEZA, Karisma, and a broad network across government, industry, academe, and media.
2026 Direction: Purposeful Acceleration
As it enters its 39th year, DOST–TAPI is advancing with a unified direction: “One Strategy. One TAPI.” The agency is shifting from output-based reporting to impact-driven governance, harnessing AI and data systems to track long-term outcomes for Filipino innovators.
It will also roll out a 5-Year Learning and Development Plan, address critical skills gaps, and complete records digitization to future-proof its workforce.
To help bridge the commercialization “trust gap,” DOST–TAPI will launch PHI-TEST with CHED, establishing a standardized national testing mechanism so that products labeled “Made in the Philippines” meet credible scientific validation.
Meanwhile, Project ASCEND, in partnership with DTI and TESDA, aims to distribute 100,000 innovation vouchers to MSMEs and scale at least 100 science and technology enterprises toward advanced funding stages.
The Institute’s Priority sectors for 2026 include water and waste management, medical technologies, renewable energy, climate resilience, agriculture, chemicals, electronics, ICT, construction, logistics, and advanced manufacturing, including EV supply chains.
The agency is also targeting a 5% increase in intellectual property filings and a 5% rise in commercialization and adoption of supported technologies.
Beyond 2026: From Promotion to Venture Capital
DOST–TAPI’s 10-Year Institutional Roadmap outlines a bold evolution. By 2027, the agency plans to establish regional and international hubs to connect Filipino technologies directly with global markets.
From 2028 to 2032, DOST–TAPI envisions becoming a self-sustaining institution and an active venture capital partner, helping bridge the startup “Valley of Death” and taking a stronger role in revenue generation and global expansion.
Atty. Marion Ivy D. Decena, CESO III, Director of DOST–TAPI, emphasized the agency’s mission ahead of its anniversary:
“Innovation only matters when it improves lives. As we mark 39 years of DOST–TAPI, we remain committed to guiding Filipino innovators from ideas to impact, ensuring that no promising technology is left behind and that every great idea has a fair chance to succeed. Dahil sa DOST–TAPI, lahat posible.”
The Department of Science and Technology - Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI) is among the DOST’s service agencies tasked to promote technology commercialization and innovation support services, created under the Executive Order No.128 on 30 January 1987.
For more information about DOST-TAPI’s programs and services, you may email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (02) 8582 1450 loc. 2167, or visit the official DOST-TAPI Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/DOST.TAPI.
