A new joint project worth P30.1 million has been launched by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), Agence Française de Dévelopement (AFD) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) in a bid to enhance the use of the geographical indication (GI) system meant to elevate the competitiveness of Philippine agriculture and improve farmers’ incomes.

During a meeting on 5 February 2025, the agencies discussed areas for collaboration and the next steps for utilizing AFD’s €500,000 (P30.1 million) funding over 21 months.

The project aims to identify 10 high-potential GI products, register at least two products as GIs, and guide farmers and other stakeholders in the value chain in the registration process.

It will also include training workshops to strengthen institutions like IPOPHL, the DA and local government units in the protection, administration, and verification of GIs.

GIs legislation

Also, the project seeks to support the development of legislation for GIs, laying a strong legal foundation for their future, part of AFD’s broader efforts to support policy reforms enhancing the country’s resilience to climate change.

IPOPHL director general Brigitte M. da Costa-Villaluz lauded the AFD’s commitment to maximizing the impact of GIs on farmers and agricultural industries, highlighting the importance of leveraging the intellectual property (IP) system.

She also expressed gratitude to the DA for its involvement, emphasizing its key role in helping various stakeholders in the agricultural supply chain understand the benefits of GI protection.

Key milestones

“Through this collaboration, we are committed to achieving several key milestones that will benefit the entire GI ecosystem in the Philippines. As we work to register more of these unique products, your support ensures that we do not only protect but also promote our agriculture,” da Costa-Villaluz said.

DA Assistant Secretary for High-Value Crops, Sagip Saka and IP Joycel R. Panlilio reassured that the mission will foster “strong” cooperation between the DA and IPOPHL, with the support of friends from the AFD.

“With the support for empowering our farmers who will be covered by our geographical indication activities, I am sure this project will be instrumental to increase productivity and the market opportunities that will be given to our farmers,” Panlilio added.

AFD Deputy Country Director Thierry Labaste commended the united front of IPOPHL and the DA, noting the importance of the joint effort in achieving the project’s goals.

“We know the process will be long but definitely it will be something we will push. I’m also very happy because we have the main actors around the table. I think we’ll have a very good cooperation and achieve what we would like to achieve,” Labaste said.