Section 17Sec./Art. 17

Whole of Government Approach. In order to effectively drive innovation across all areas of government policyspanning education, training, health, energy, communication, industry, science and technology, defense, among othersa "whole of government approach" shall be adopted. This approach shall facilitate engagement with business, the RD&E sector, MSMEs, and the broader community towards ensuring the full and effective implementation of the countrys innovation agenda.

All government agencies concerned, including the following, shall be responsible for implementing the countrys innovation strategies and, as such, shall observe the "whole of government approach" provided herein:

(a) National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA);

(b) Department of Science and Technology (DOST);

(c) Department of Trade and Industry (DTI);

(d) Department of Agriculture (DA);

(e) Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR);

(f) Department of Health (DOH);

(g) Department of Energy (DOE);

(h) Department of Transportation (DOTr);

(i) Department of National Defense (DND);

(j) Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT);

(k) Department of Budget and Management (DBM);

(l) Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG);

(m) Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA);

(n) Department of Education (DepEd);

(o) Commission on Higher Education (CHED):

(p) Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE); and

(q) Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL).

Government agencies shall make available for public access, a joint web portal, that will bear information pertinent to innovation policies, strategies, programs, including services, grants, and financial assistance for related trainings. The agencies shall likewise ensure that beneficiaries are guided on services that are available. The web portal shall also include a database of all ongoing and completed innovation projects implemented under the NIASD.

It shall have interactive features that will allow the public to access services or file applications for scholarships or other services and programs online. Inquiries shall be addressed within three (3) days from receipt thereof. Processing of applications for scholarships and other services shall be streamlined in accordance with the guidelines to be established by the NIC. Reforms to this effect shall be reported to the NIC within six (6) months from the effectivity of this Act.

The online facility shall provide an acknowledgement receipt and reference number for each transaction for monitoring purposes.

Government agencies concerned shall submit periodic progress reports to the NIC on the status of innovation strategies and projects. Reportorial requirements prescribed under this Act shall take into consideration reports required under other laws related to innovation, with the view to harmonizing and achieving efficiencies in the preparation of these reports. Reporting guidelines shall be prepared by the NIC for this purpose.

The enumeration of agencies provided herein is without prejudice to other agencies that the NIC may mandate.