TACLOBAN CITY (PIA) — “Creativity, we know, thrives in the countryside. So we also want to bring copyright education and awareness to the countryside,” said Atty. Emerson Cuyo of the Property Office of the Philippines – Bureau of Copyright and Related Rights (IPOPHL-BCRR).
This was the main goal of the 2023 copyright regional caravan shared during the culmination of the Visayas leg at Kanhuraw Hill.
The event, which was attended by representatives from the academe, the media, and some partner agencies, was filled with sharing of information and discussion that gave more clarity to the mandate of IPOPHL-BCRR as a governing agency. Most importantly, subjects on the basics of copyright, copyright registration, copyright in the digital age, and an introduction to KCOPA’s mission and programs were tackled.
“Hopefully, through the copyright caravan, we want to bring the concept of intellectual property and slide copyright to the grassroots level,” Cuyo said.
With the recent implementation of Creative Industries’ Month, the caravan is relatively important as it is intended to infuse knowledge into creative individuals and industries to protect their artistic creations from being stolen, exploited, and distributed without permission. This is done by securing copyright certificates through online registration and sending electronic copies of copyrighted works. Creators will be granted lifetime protection on their copyrighted works and an additional 50 years’ protection after their death.
Moreover, this will also further encourage artists and creators to continue their pursuit of artistic endeavors, which mirror the rich cultural heritage of the region. This will then inspire others to walk the path they have undertaken, as the artistic and economic benefits will be enjoyed by the creators who copyrighted their works.
“This regional caravan is not just an event. It is a celebration of your indomitable spirit, a testament to the limitless possibilities that unfold when talent converges with the power of protection,” DTI-8 Regional Director Celerina Bato said in her speech.
“Let us collectively affirm our commitment to fostering an environment where creativity flourishes and where the fruits of your labor are safeguarded,” she added.
In its efforts to raise the level of awareness on matters of copyright across the country, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines – Bureau of Copyright and Related Rights (IPOPHL-BCRR), together with the Department of Trade and Industry Regional Office 8 (DTI-8), wrapped up the last regional caravan on copyright this year 2023, at Kanhuraw Hill, this city.
The Visayas leg of the caravan was organized by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines – Bureau of Copyright and Related Rights (IPOPHL-BCRR), together with the Department of Trade and Industry Regional Office 8 (DTI-8) in collaboration with the Korea Copyright Protection Agency (KCOPA), the Intellectual Property Satellite Office (IPSO)-Tacloban, and the City Government of Tacloban.
The previous caravans were held in Manila, then in the cities of Davao and General Santos in Mindanao. (VCCL/MMP/PIA Leyte)
