Highlighting his exceptional professionalism and leadership across various sectors, Trade Secretary Cristina Aldeguer Roque has formally endorsed the reappointment of Atty. Rowel Barba as director-general of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL).

Barba’s current tenure will end on 31 December 2024, after serving IPOPHL for four years.

In a memorandum sent to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. dated 19 November, which was secured by DAILY TRIBUNE over the weekend, Roque emphasized Barba’s commendable leadership, which has taken the agency to new heights through his “BRIGHT Agenda.”

The agenda includes building collaboration and partnerships, raising the bar for customer service, integrating IP education and awareness into society, returning to the basics, highlighting human capital, and transforming IPOPHL into a fully digitalized agency.

Barba, who holds a law degree from the University of the Philippines and a Certificate in Business Economics, has extensive experience spanning both the public and private sectors. He previously held key roles, including undersecretary at the Department of Trade and Industry and vice president for legal affairs at RFM Corporation.

“Given his extensive qualifications, leadership and unwavering commitment to strengthening the IP regime in the Philippines, the undersigned firmly believes that he is highly qualified for reappointment as Director-General of IPOPHL. His continued leadership will guarantee the success of key legislative and institutional reforms, contributing to a robust intellectual property system in the Philippines,” Roque said.

Barba entered public service when he was appointed DTI undersecretary from September 2016 to February 2020. During this time, he managed various units and attached agencies under the DTI and served as chief of staff to then Secretary Ramon M. Lopez.

In the private sector, aside from his role at RFM, Barba held leadership positions, including chief legal officer of JAKA Investment Corp. from 1997 to 2007. He was also a Junior Associate at Ponce Enrile Cayetano Reyes and Manalastas Law Offices from 1989 to 1992.