Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin (2nd from left) and Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo Pascual (leftmost) accept the IP Champion award on behalf of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the Gawad Yamang Isip Awards hosted by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL). IPOPHL officials, including Director-General Rowel Barba and Deputy Director-General Anna Claire Cabochan, presented the accolade to the President through his representatives. (Photo by Gelaine Louise Gutierrez/PIA-NCR)

MANILA, (PIA) -- President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has been honored as the "IP Champion" by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) for his advocacy in protecting the intellectual property rights of Filipinos. The recognition was announced at the Gawad Yamang Isip Awards 2024, where Marcos was lauded for his commitment to promoting innovation and creativity in the country.

The award was received by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on behalf of President Marcos, following commendation from IPOPHL Director General Atty. Rowel Barba.

Barba praised Marcos for his support of the National Innovation Council, which aims to foster a culture of innovation and resilience in the Philippines.

President Marcos' vision for "FILIPINNOVATION," articulated last year, emphasizes the importance of leveraging science and technology to address contemporary challenges and drive nation-building efforts.

Additionally, Trade Undersecretary Allan Gepty was recognized for his contributions to IPOPHL's advocacy, policy, and international relations programs. Gepty's role in enhancing IPOPHL's initiatives has been instrumental in supporting the country's economic growth agenda.

The Gawad Yamang Isip Awards, held at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati, celebrates individuals, enterprises, and technologies that have made significant contributions to innovation, creativity, and intellectual property in the Philippines.

Among the awardees are D&L Industries for Invention, Stanley Ruiz for Industrial Design, Gary Valenciano for the Performing Arts, Ramon Orlina for Visual Arts, and RAGS2RICHES for Trademark.

The event, themed "IP and SDGs: Building our common future with innovation and creativity," underscores the role of intellectual property in advancing sustainable development goals. IPOPHL recognizes the vital role of Filipino artists, inventors, and brands in shaping a more sustainable future through innovation.

Highlighting the importance of intellectual property, National Economic and Development Authority Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillion emphasized its role in driving economic growth and improving the quality of life. Edillion stressed the necessity of protecting inventions and creative ideas to foster a dynamic innovation ecosystem.

The awards also included special recognition for winners of the Socially Relevant Technology Contest and the WIPO National Award, which honor innovators and businesses contributing to the country's development through intellectual property assets.

IPOPHL expressed gratitude to its partners, enforcement allies, media supporters, and program contributors for their role in making the Gawad Yamang Isip Awards and the National IP Month celebration a success. (PIA-NCR)