President Marcos Cites DOST-Funded M/B Dalaray In SONA, Backs Local Innovations For Sustained Growth

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. highlighted the Department of Science and Technology's (DOST) support for homegrown electric mobility solutions during his 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA), citing the DOST-funded M/B Dalaray as a model for the country's transport modernization efforts.

In his speech on Monday, the President underscored the importance of locally developed technologies in building a cleaner and more sustainable public transportation system.

"Ang M/B Dalaray naman, na pinasinayaan natin kamakailan lamang, ay isa ring EV, na nabuo sa pagtutulungan ng UP at saka ng DOST. Sa darating na panahon, ang ganitong electric ferry boat ang gagamitin sa Pasig River Ferry Service, mula Pinagbuhatan sa Pasig hanggang Escolta sa Maynila."

The M/B Dalaray is an electric catamaran ferry developed through the collaboration of the University of the Philippines (UP) and the DOST. The vessel was designed as a locally developed, environment-friendly alternative for inland water transport and is expected to support the modernization of the Pasig River Ferry Service.

The President's recognition of the project underscores the government's continuing investment in science, technology, and innovation (STI) to develop practical solutions that address national priorities, including sustainable mobility and cleaner transportation systems.

DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. welcomed the President's recognition, saying it reflects the growing impact of Filipino research and innovation on improving public services.

"The President's recognition of the M/B Dalaray affirms the value of investing in Filipino science, technology, and innovation. It demonstrates how government support for research can be translated into practical technologies that benefit the public while advancing sustainable development," Solidum said.

Aside from the M/B Dalaray, the President also cited several DOST initiatives in his Primer report that have strengthened the country's research and innovation ecosystem.

The President's Report to the People 2022–2026 noted that the Balik Scientist Program assisted 856 technologies and projects from July 2022 to June 2026, enabling overseas Filipino scientists to share their expertise and accelerate research and technology development in the country.

The report likewise highlighted the establishment of the National Artificial Intelligence Center for Research and Innovation (NAICRI), launched in Quezon City in February 2026 as the country's central hub for AI research, advanced computing, innovation, and talent development.

Meanwhile, the DOST Grants-in-Aid Program provided P12.64 billion in funding assistance to 824 research and development projects between July 2022 and June 15, 2026, supporting innovations in priority sectors such as health, agriculture, industry, disaster resilience, and digital transformation.

The DOST said the President's recognition of these initiatives reflects the government's continued confidence in science, technology, and innovation as key drivers of economic growth, environmental sustainability, and improved quality of life for Filipinos.

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to supporting research and development that produces homegrown technologies capable of addressing national challenges and contributing to a more resilient and innovation-driven Philippines.