IPOPHL brings more Philippine farm products to the global stage through GI protection
04 August 2026
The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) have renewed and strengthened their partnership to help more Philippine agricultural and fishery products gain global recognition and higher market value through geographical indication (GI) protection.
Through a new memorandum of understanding (MOU), the two agencies will accelerate the identification, protection and commercialization of products whose unique qualities are closely linked to their place of origin. The renewed collaboration builds on a partnership first established in 2018, combining IPOPHL’s expertise in intellectual property with the DA’s technical leadership in agriculture.
The initiative seeks to expand the Philippines’ portfolio of GI-protected products, building on the success of Guimaras Mangoes and Alburquerque’s Asin Tibuok while opening opportunities for more local specialties to establish stronger market positions in both domestic and international markets.
“This partnership gives structure to the work that IPOPHL and the DA have already begun – from identifying potential GI products and coordinating technical assistance for producer groups to ensuring that GI registration creates real commercial value rather than remaining just a certificate,” said IPOPHL director general Teodoro C. Pascua.
Secretary of agriculture Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said the renewed collaboration will help accelerate the Philippines’ GI development efforts while safeguarding uniquely Filipino products from misuse and imitation. “These products reflect the richness of our biodiversity, traditions, and craftsmanship. They deserve recognition not only in the Philippines but also in the global marketplace.”
To date, IPOPHL and the DA have identified at least 30 agricultural and fishery products with strong GI potential. These include Cordillera Heirloom Rice, Quezon Lambanog, Oriental Mindoro Calamansi, Camarines Norte Queen Pineapple, Nueva Vizcaya Dalandan, Davao Pomelo, Davao Saba Banana, Bonuan Bangus, Zambales Mangoes and Davao Cacao.
Under the agreement, the two agencies will strengthen technical collaboration to support the development, registration and promotion of GI products. Their efforts will include improving certification systems, enhancing quality assurance mechanisms, and building the capabilities of producer groups and other stakeholders.
IPOPHL will lead capacity-building initiatives on the legal, commercial and strategic value of GIs while providing technical guidance on certification systems, quality control and intellectual property management.
The DA, meanwhile, will identify products with origin-linked characteristics, conduct the technical validation required for GI registration, establish certification mechanisms and strengthen producer organizations to ensure that registered GIs consistently meet quality standards and generate greater economic benefits for local communities.
The partnership will also leverage IPOPHL’s nationwide network of more than 100 Innovation and Technology Support Offices, primarily based in state universities, colleges and research institutions, to promote innovation, commercialization and stronger intellectual property management across the agricultural sector.
The renewed collaboration complements the broader efforts of IPOPHL and the Department of Trade and Industry to help micro, small and medium enterprises move up the value chain by transforming locally produced goods into competitive, high-value brands for domestic and global markets.
- Asia IP
