MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 44 CONDUCT OF PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES FOR THE CELEBRATION OF THE 2024 "NATIONAL INNOVATION DAY" March 12, 2024

WHEREAS,Section 2 of Republic Act (RA) No. 11293 or the "Philippine Innovation Act" declares it a policy of the State to foster innovation in the country as a vital component of national development and sustainable economic growth;

WHEREAS,Section 27 of RA No. 11293 declares April 21 of every year as "National Innovation Day" and mandates the National Innovation Council (NIC), in coordination with concerned government agencies, to plan, design, and implement programs and activities in celebration thereof;

WHEREAS,according to the NIC, this year's celebration of "National Innovation Day," with the theme "Unboxing theFilipinnovationMindset," aims to increase public awareness on innovation programs and activities of the public and private sectors, cultivate among all Filipinos innovative culture and mindset, and promoteFilipinnovation,a whole-of-nation call and commitment to accelerate the country's progress through innovation;

WHEREAS,the celebration of the "National Innovation Day" will highlight innovation in all areas, consistent with the transformation agenda outlines in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 and National Innovation Agenda and Strategy Document 2023-2032, particularly on establishing a dynamic innovation ecosystem; and

WHEREAS,Section 17, Article VII of the Constitution vests in the President the power of control over all the executive departments, bureaus, and offices and the mandate to ensure faithful execution of laws;

NOW, THEREFORE,the following are hereby ordered:

The NIC, in close coordination with the Department of Science and Technology, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and such other concerned agencies, shall spearhead the conduct of activities and programs during the annual celebration of the "National Innovation Day."

All national government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned or -controlled corporations, are hereby directed, and local government units and the private sector are hereby encouraged, to extend full support and cooperation in the conduct of programs and activities during the "National Innovation Day."

This Circular shall take effect immediately. 

DONE,in the City of Manila, this 12^thday of March, in the year of our Lord, Two Thousand and Twenty-Four.