The National Innovation Council (NIC) has approved a set of major reforms aimed at streamlining government procurement for technology and innovation and easing the regulatory burden on startups and enterprises, the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) said Monday.
The reforms, endorsed during the council’s 9th meeting on Nov. 20, 2025, and presided over by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., include the supplemental guidelines for the direct procurement for science, technology and innovation.
The guidelines, pursuant to Section 37 of the New Government Procurement Act (RA No. 12009) implementing rules and regulations, are designed to quicken processes for government entities involved in research and development, science, technology and innovation projects.
The goal is to reduce delays, allow startups to take part in government programs, and permit the procurement of pre-commercial goods to encourage early market engagement and stimulate innovation.
“To keep pace with global technological developments and foster a dynamic innovation ecosystem, government procurement must be fast, flexible and open to new ideas,” said DEPDev Secretary and NIC vice chairperson Arsenio Balisacan.
“This new modality under the New Government Procurement Act accelerates research, encourages early commercialization of innovations, and gives startups and new technology suppliers a real opportunity to contribute and compete,” he said.
The approved guidelines will be forwarded to the Government Procurement Policy Board for final approval and issuance.
The NIC also reviewed DEPDev’s policy reform study on “Streamlining Business Registration, Renewal, and Exit Processes.”
The study tackles the administrative issues faced by businesses, particularly micro, small and medium enterprises and startups, in starting, maintaining, and closing their operations.
The initiative is part of the NIC’s mandate to eliminate regulatory inefficiencies and improve the ease of doing business in the country.
The council approved the implementing guidelines of Executive Order No. 99, series of 2025, which formalizes the Presidential Filipinnovation Awards.
The updated guidelines introduce new eligibility criteria, evaluation standards, and implementation procedures to promote inclusivity and broader participation.
