Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss said Israel will work with the Philippines in maximizing the country's potential for innovation and technology, citing the latter's young and dynamic ecosystem.

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Photos: Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss, Presidential Communications Office / Facebook

Fluss said this after he attended the launch of the National Innovation Agenda and Strategy Document (NIASD), which President Marcos led, in Manila on Wednesday, Sept. 27.

In a Facebook post, Fluss said Israel welcomed the launch of the 10-year national roadmap that aims to promote the so-called "Filipinnovation," or innovation in the Philippines.

"We in Israel understand the importance of innovation," he wrote Wednesday evening.

"I am proud to be invited and represent Israel, the start-up nation and the global hub of innovation," he added.

According to the envoy, Israel is willing to share with the Philippines Israel's model and work with the country in honing its potential.

"I look forward to creating more partnerships and collaborations and sharing the Israeli model and ecosystem," Fluss said.

"The Philippines has a relatively young and dynamic ecosystem of innovation, so the potential is great. Israel will work with the Philippines in maximizing this potential," he added.

Fluss likewise suggested initiating introductions between innovators and entrepreneurs from both countries.

"Together, we can introduce change," he said.

"Now let us build together bridges of innovation and technology between Israel and the Philippines," he added.

In his speech during the NIASD's launch on Wednesday, President Marcos said the government is committed to nurturing innovation and sustainable development.

"This document is not just a plan but a commitment to making innovation an indispensable component of our nation's development agenda and a key driver in our vision to achieve a truly smart and innovative Philippines," he said.

The first NIASD covers the period 2023-2032 and covers 10 innovation priority areas identified based on the Philippine Innovation Act:

  1. Learning and education
  2. Health
  3. Food and agribusiness
  4. Finance
  5. Manufacturing and trade
  6. Transportation and logistics
  7. Public Administration
  8. Security and defense
  9. Energy
  10. Blue economy and water

Source: Manila Bulletin (https://mb.com.ph/2023/9/27/israel-to-work-with-ph-in-maximizing-filipinnovation-envoy)