The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the National Development Company (NDC) have opened the Philippine Innovation Hub – Marikina Enterprise Center (iHub-MEC), aiming to support startups, small businesses, and creative industries in the region.
Launched at the Nacida Compound in Marikina City, the iHub-MEC is designed to serve as a multifunctional space for entrepreneurs. It offers services such as mentoring, training, financing opportunities, and market access to help early-stage ventures and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) grow.
“As we launch the iHub-MEC today, we are not just opening a building,” said Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona, supervising head of the Regional Operations Group, DTI. “We are opening opportunities. We are opening possibilities. We are sending a strong message: that the Philippines is ready, capable, and determined to be a powerhouse of innovation in the region.”
Support from key innovation laws
The establishment of the iHub-MEC follows two national policies: the Innovative Startup Act (Republic Act No. 11337) and the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act (Republic Act No. 11904). These laws provide the legal foundation for creating innovation-friendly programs and facilities.
One such program is the Startup Venture Fund (SVF), a joint effort between DTI and NDC. The SVF aims to invest in startups with high growth potential, especially those in sectors such as gaming, animation, and multimedia.
Decentralizing innovation efforts
By placing the center in Marikina, the government hopes to make innovation support more accessible to communities outside Metro Manila. This move aims to encourage inclusive growth and promote regional development.
The iHub-MEC is expected to serve as a model for similar projects in other areas, encouraging more collaboration between the public and private sectors. DTI and NDC worked with other government agencies to make the project possible.
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