THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD PATRONIZE FILIPINO INVENTIONS

THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD PATRONIZE FILIPINO INVENTIONS Yes, the government should patronize Filipino inventions. And not only that, it should set the example by taking the lead in buying the products that are the results of these inventions, so that the private sector could follow suit. Somehow, the government should find a way to reconcile its own policy decisions with its own procurement actions. For example, the government issued a policy that mandated the consolidation of jeepney operations, but it did not make a policy that would require the buyers of new jeepneys to patronize the Philippine made vehicles. As a result, most of the sales probably went to the dealers of China made vehicles. Some might argue that the Chinese models are cheaper, but then, some Filipino makers like Francisco Motors are saying that their prices are even lower. I think that the government should come up with a policy that for as long as the Filipino inventions are approved or accredited by an authorized agency such as the DTI, the FDA or the DOST, then the entire government could already start buying it. As a matter of fact, all government agencies could dispense with public bidding if the Filipino products are unique and proprietary, meaning that it has no competitors in the local market. As an initial step, perhaps all local inventions should be vetted first by anyone of the local associations of inventors. It would also be good if these associations could unite, so that they can have one solid voice. IKE SENERES/03-25-2024