An exhibit titled âBridging Innovation between Israel and the Philippinesâ and showcasing Israelâs leading role in helping shape global technologies, was held recently at the Senate.
The exhibit shows the innovations of Israel in various fields, including artificial intelligence, cyber security, agriculture, and information and communications technology.
The opening of the exhibit was led by Senator Pia Cayetano, together with Ambassador of Israel to the Philippines, His Excellency Ilan Fluss.
They were joined by Senators Sherwin Gatchalian and Robin Padilla, and Senate Secretary General Renato Bantug Jr.
The opening of the exhibit was followed by a forum that discussed the history of Israel’s success as a ‘start-up’ nation, led by Mr. Or Haviv, who is the partner and head for global innovation of Israel’s Arieli Capital.
During the forum, Mr. Haviv proposed the setting up of innovation hubs in colleges and universities.
Senators in attendance, and officials from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) expressed interest in the idea.
During her speech, Senator Cayetano, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, Innovation, and Futures Thinking, recalls purchasing and selling products from a US children’s trade fair two decades ago, made by an Israeli company called TinyLab.
She added that the products are infant and child development products, using research that shows infants can see contrasting colors.
She ended her speech with an encouragement: âWe should never be afraid of using our intelligence, our intellect to explore what is out there. God gave us a brain, and I always say, letâs use it.â
