“It is said that music is a universal language of mankind. I believe this to be true. Wherever you are, music has an effect on you. Its impact cuts across communities and generations,” said Brigitte M. da Costa-Villaluz, director general of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL).

“Through NIPM 2025, IPOPHL aims to raise awareness not only on the power of music but also about the crucial role IP plays in helping the Philippine music industry thrive. Creators must be empowered to ensure that their intellectual property is valued, protected and celebrated whether at home or abroad,” da Costa-Villaluz added.

NIPM 2025 will showcase the rich and varied music of the Philippines with the theme “IP and Music: Bringing the Pinoy Beat to the World,” which ties in with the World Intellectual Property Organization’s (WIPO) “Feel the Beat of IP” theme. It will also call for recognition of the significance of IP in empowering Filipino musicians and those working in the expanding local music industry.

According to Spotify Philippines, local music currently predominates on its Top 50 – Philippine playlist, a daily update of the most popular songs in the nation. This highlights the thriving local music industry. Over the last five years, Pinoy music streams have also quadrupled internationally, with the top markets outside of the Philippines being the U.S., Canada, Indonesia, Poland and Australia. Global daily streams of playlists have also increased. The top Philippine hip-hop playlist in the last five years has also risen by 600 percent, while the main Philippine pop playlist has grown by 138 percent annually.

“As we look ahead, it is important for the Philippine music industry to continue to harness the power of IP to ensure that local talent is recognized and rewarded fairly. With strong IP protections in place, our music can continue to break boundaries, share life stories and elevate the Philippines on the global stage,” da Costa-Villaluz added.

- Excel V. Dyquiangco