The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in partnership with the National Development Company (NDC) officially launched the Philippine Innovation Hub – Marikina Enterprise Center (iHub-MEC) at the NACIDA Compound.
This milestone marks a bold step in the government’s continuing efforts to decentralize innovation and spur inclusive growth across regions. Anchored on the national vision to create a thriving innovation ecosystem, the iHub-MEC reflects the government’s strong commitment to enabling the startup, creative and MSME communities through accessible infrastructure, policy support and public-private collaboration.
The launch of the iHub-MEC is rooted in two landmark policies: the Innovative Startup Act (Republic Act No. 11337) and the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act (Republic Act No. 11904).
These laws have opened new doors for groundbreaking programs such as the Startup Venture Fund (SVF) a joint initiative of the DTI and NDC which facilitates government investments in high-growth potential startups, particularly in sectors such as gaming, animation, multimedia, and other creative industries.
Designed as a multifunctional space equipped to support a range of programs and activities, the iHub-MEC is set to become a launchpad for local enterprises, startups and creative entrepreneurs. It will serve as a hub for capacity-building, mentoring, access to finance and market-linkage opportunities for early-stage ventures and small businesses.
By establishing this facility in Marikina City the initiative brings critical innovation infrastructure closer to communities outside Metro Manila unlocking new potential in the region.
The project was made possible through the concerted efforts of DTI, NDC, and other partner government agencies together with the initiatives of Senator Koko Pimentel III and Marikina 2nd District Representative Stella Luz Quimbo both of whom have been staunch advocates of inclusive innovation and MSME development.
“Ang lahat ng pangangailangan ninyo para makapagsimula, at magpalago pa ng inyong kabuhayan ay narito na.”
“Marikina can—and will—become a launchpad for global innovation. At para sa mga Marikenyo, ito rin ang magsisilbing Marikina Enterprise Center. Isang one-stop shop center kung saan, ang lahat ng pangangailangan ninyo para makapagsimula, at magpalago pa ng inyong kabuhayan ay narito na,” Quimbo stated.
Representing DTI Secretary Cristina Roque, Regional Operations Group Supervising Head Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona delivered the keynote address during the launch event.
In her remarks, Lantayona expressed deep appreciation and support for the collaborative efforts behind this project noting its significant alignment with the Secretary’s top strategic priorities of digitalization, diversification and improved access to finance for MSMEs.
“We are not just opening a building. We are opening opportunities. We are opening possibilities.”
“As we launch the iHub-MEC today, we are not just opening a building. 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.” she emphasized.
The opening of the iHub-MEC signifies more than just the inauguration of a facility. It embodies the country’s ambition to nurture local talent, catalyze grassroots innovation and build a resilient, future-ready economy.
With continued collaboration between public and private stakeholders, the Philippine Innovation Hub in Marikina is poised to become a model for regional innovation development nationwide.
