Philippines Preserves Local Village Heritage

25 October 2022

The Cordilleran region's artistic heritage is being preserved through intellectual property (IP), thanks to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) recently signed by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) and the Chanum Foundation, which runs the renowned local arts and culture center Tam-awan Village in Baguio City.

According to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by Jordan Mang-osan, President of the Chanum Foundation, and Rowel S. Barba, Director General of IPOPHL, Tam-awan Village will collaborate with IPOPHL to protect, promote, and export original Cordilleran IPs and creative works in order to preserve the region's culture and heritage.

Through new or ongoing activities and projects, IPOPHL will primarily increase the foundation's understanding of how to preserve copyright and promote awareness.

Tam-awan, which in the local tongue means "view point," is a well-known tourist site in Baguio City that showcases a variety of Cordilleran artworks, sculptures, choreographies, and indigenous architecture.

Barba praised Tam-awan Village's efforts for "inspiring Filipinos to create a profound sense of cultural consciousness."

Barba emphasized the importance of protecting their IP, pointing out the wealth of inestimable resources held dear by the Cordilleran heritage, not only for its monetary value that can improve artists' livelihoods but also for its contributions to the nation as the art of the area has proven to be "an important strand of the Philippine identity."

"Like the Tam-awan Village, I hope the alliance we establish today broadens your people's perceptions on both indigenous art and copyright and intellectual property. The MOU should also provide us with a "vantage point" on how we can advance as a team to support and safeguard our artists, according to Barba.

- Excel V. Dyquiangco

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