THE Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (Ipophl) on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding to help farmers and fisherfolk earn more by branding products based on their place of origin.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. and Ipophl Director General Teodoro Pascua signed the agreement.
The partnership centers on “geographical indications” (GIs) — place-based brands such as Champagne from France or Kobe Beef from Japan that command premium prices. The DA aims to elevate Philippine products to the same level of global recognition.
The new agreement updates a 2018 pact between the DA and Ipophl, placing GIs at the heart of the Marcos administration’s push to build a more competitive, value-added, export-oriented agri-fishery sector.
It entails the two agencies to develop a national GI road map, strengthen producer groups and improve certification processes to help products reach higher-value local and export markets.
Priority products for GI protection under the agreement include Cordillera Heirloom Rice, Davao Pomelo, Zambales Mangoes, Davao Cacao, Davao Durian, Bonuan Bangus, Quezon Lambanog, Camarines Norte Queen Pineapple and Oriental Mindoro Calamansi.
Separately, an application for GI registration of Bohol Ube Kinampay has already been filed with the Ipophl.
Tiu Laurel said protecting products linked to their place of origin creates economic opportunities that extend well beyond intellectual property. “Through geographical indications, we can protect these unique products, preserve their authenticity and create greater opportunities for our farming and fishing communities,” he said.
The initiative aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address, in which he called for greater value addition in Philippine agriculture, citing ube as a product with strong export potential.
By protecting the origin of these goods, the DA and Ipophl hope to ensure more of their value stays with the farmers, fisherfolk and communities which created them.
