CABANATUAN CITY (PIA) — The Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST) highlighted the role of intellectual property (IP) and patent protection in driving innovation across Central Luzon.
During the Regional IP Summit and 2nd Research, Extension and Training Expo, Department of Science and Technology Assistant Regional Director Romeolito Tacbian said IP remains vital in protecting original ideas, supporting technology development, enabling commercialization, and strengthening the country’s global competitiveness.
He noted that while the Philippines has risen from rank 59 to rank 50 in the Global Innovation Index due to strong outputs in trademarks, industrial designs, and cultural exports, the country must intensify efforts in patent performance and research commercialization.
“We perform strongly in trademarks, industrial designs, and cultural exports, but remain weak in patent and research commercialization. Improving patent filing, enforcement, and technology transfer is key to climbing higher. For this reason, we continue to strengthen IP enforcement to protect innovators and support commercialization,” he furthered.
Moreover, Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) Documentation, Information, and Technology Transfer Bureau IP Business Services and Development Division Chief Wilfredo Calaguan reiterated that innovation becomes stronger when grounded in proper retrieval, analysis, and application of patent information.
“Ang panawagan ko ay pag-aralan nating mabuti kung ano ang intellectual property at intellectual property rights dahil kung mahalaga sa atin ang isang intellectual property, dapat natin itong protektahan. Alam natin na anumang mahalaga ay pinangangalagaan. Ang mga innovation ay nagsisimula sa tamang paggamit ng patent information—mula sa maayos na retrieval ng patent documents, tamang pagsusuri ng mga ito, hanggang sa paglalapat sa teknolohiya.(My call is for everyone to study intellectual property and IP rights carefully because anything valuable must be protected. Innovation begins with the proper use of patent information—from accurately retrieving patent documents, to analyzing them, and applying them in technology development. This is how we create strong and proudly made innovations with solid intellectual property protection),” he pressed.
With the theme “Intellectual Property as a foundation of an Innovative and Future-Proof Central Luzon,” the summit brings together about 150 participants from government, academe, industries, startups, and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
It featured exhibits by MSMEs and extension partners, along with discussions on IP protection, innovation processes, research and development, and patent information.
This two-day event was organized by NEUST in partnership with IPOPHL and the Central Luzon Industry, Energy, and Emerging Research and Development Consortium. (CLJD/MCAL,PIA Region 3- Nueva Ecija)
