The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and partner government agencies opened the 2026 Philippine Startup Week in Quezon City on Monday, November 10, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors and industry representatives to discuss opportunities for local startups.

The four-day event, running from Nov. 9 to 12 at the Quezon City M.I.C.E. Center, is organized by the DICT in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology, the Department of Trade and Industry and the Quezon City government.

DICT Secretary Robert Joseph de Claro said the government should help Filipino startups develop sustainable businesses, expand operations and compete in international markets.

“Our responsibility is not simply to encourage Filipinos to innovate, but to help create the conditions that allow their innovations to grow into sustainable and scalable businesses, generate quality jobs, and contribute to our country’s economic development,” de Claro said.

The event, themed “Beyond Borders: Navigating Our Future,” aims to showcase Filipino-developed technologies, encourage partnerships and attract investment while examining opportunities for local startups in overseas markets.

The opening ceremony was attended by Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum Jr., Quezon City Mayor Ma. Josefina Belmonte and officials from the participating agencies.

The DICT said its work with government partners and industry stakeholders is part of efforts to advance digital transformation and develop a more competitive startup sector.

The department is also serving as chair of the Innovative Startup Act for 2026-2027, as the Philippines holds the chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2026.

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) will showcase three technologies designed to improve agricultural and aquaculture production during the National Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (NSTW) in General Santos City from November 25 to 29.

The technologies include a solar-powered irrigation system, an automated aquaculture monitoring platform and a digital agricultural supply chain system aimed at improving farm productivity and market access.

One of the featured innovations is Sun Harvest, developed by DOST-Central Luzon. The mobile irrigation unit uses solar energy to operate water pumps, reducing reliance on diesel and gasoline-powered equipment.

Designed to move between farms, the system is intended to provide irrigation services to agricultural communities, including remote areas with limited access to electricity. DOST said the technology produces no greenhouse gas emissions during operation.

Another innovation, the Smart Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS), was developed by the DOST-Metals Industry Research and Development Center. It uses Internet of Things technology to monitor and regulate water conditions in aquaculture ponds.

The system tracks parameters such as ammonia levels, pH, temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen, which affect the health and growth of aquatic species. It can be used in the production of tilapia, shrimp and soft-shelled crabs.

DOST-Central Visayas will also present the Ark of Agriculture, or ARKA, a digital platform designed to connect farmers directly with markets and improve agricultural supply chain operations.

The platform uses sensors developed under DOST’s Smarter Approaches to Reinvigorate Agriculture as an Industry in the Philippines project to monitor soil moisture, temperature and microclimate conditions. The data can help automate farm inputs, including irrigation, fertilizer and pesticide application.

ARKA also links production information with market data to help reduce post-harvest losses, improve market access and give farmers greater control over pricing. The initiative includes training on modern farming methods and technologies.

The three technologies will be displayed under the Wealth Creation Pillar of the Science and Technology Exhibit at Gaisano Mall in General Santos City.

The 2026 NSTW will feature research and technology initiatives focused on food security, sustainable energy and national resilience with the theme, “Science, Technology, and Digital Innovation: Driving Food Security, Sustainable Energy, and National Resilience.”

DOST said the annual event brings together researchers, businesses, government agencies, academic institutions and communities to present locally developed scientific and technological solutions.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has urged Filipinos to adopt safer online practices to protect their personal information and digital accounts from cybersecurity threats.

In an advisory issued on Wednesday, November 4, the agency recommended avoiding suspicious links, using strong passwords and enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) to reduce the risk of unauthorized access.

The DICT also cautioned users against sharing one-time passwords (OTPs), personal identification numbers (PINs) and other sensitive information.

The agency advised keeping devices updated and exercising caution when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks.

Users who detect suspicious online activity may report it through the DICT’s hotline 1326 or by sending email to 1326@dict.gov.ph.

The DICT said cybersecurity requires shared responsibility and urged the public to remain vigilant when using the internet.