IPOPHL Collaborates with Educational Bodies to Foster Intellectual Property Awareness in the Philippines

The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) has embarked on a strategic partnership with educational institutions to enhance intellectual property (IP) awareness among Filipinos. This initiative was highlighted during the forum titled “Leveraging Intellectual Property as an Innovation Enabler and Fuel for Inclusive Economic Growth,” held in Pasay City on Monday.

Director General Teodoro Pascua of IPOPHL articulated the agency’s vision to foster an IP-centered culture nationwide. He revealed plans to engage with the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to integrate IP education into the curriculum, particularly targeting younger learners.

“We’re looking forward to sitting down with DepEd and CHED to see how we could be able to increase the fire on the understanding of IP even at a younger age, especially at DepEd. Even at a younger age, people should be able to recognize what is IP and creativeness,” Pascua stated.

He emphasized the necessity of a “more purposive educational system” that not only focuses on academic excellence but also nurtures creative potential from the basic education level.

“That’s the reason why we want to partner with them,” Pascua added, underscoring the importance of early IP education in developing future innovators.

Supporting this initiative, Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary Allan Gepty remarked on the transformative power of intellectual property. He explained that IP empowers individuals by providing knowledge, tools, and opportunities to convert ideas into practical solutions and enterprises.

“Intellectual property is about empowering people with the knowledge, tools and opportunities to transform ideas into solutions, creativity into enterprise, and innovation into economic value,” Gepty said.

He further noted that IP has become a significant driver of innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusive economic growth in the Philippines.

“It empowers creators, strengthens businesses and allows ideas to move beyond imagination. From the perspective of international trade, intellectual property is a springboard for a modern and innovation-driven economy,” Gepty added.

This collaborative effort between IPOPHL, DepEd, and CHED aims to embed IP education within the Philippine educational framework, thereby equipping the next generation with the awareness and skills necessary to leverage intellectual property for economic and creative advancement.

The forum and subsequent discussions signal a proactive approach by government agencies to harness intellectual property as a vital component of national development and inclusive growth.