IPOPHL-led NCIPR registers biggest seizure with P24.6B counterfeit goods in 2021

The National Committee on Intellectual Property Rights (NCIPR), which the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) leads as acting Chair, has recorded its biggest seizure of counterfeit goods in its 13 years of strengthening enforcement in the country amid increased efforts and improved strategy. 

Preliminary data show that the 13-member committee hauled P24.9 billion worth of counterfeit goods seized from its inspection and raid operations last year. This surpasses the P23.6-billion worth of counterfeit goods in 2018.

“We attribute our record seizure to increased efforts and unwavering commitment of the NCIPR, given that this record was achieved even with pandemic restrictions. We also strategized on directing our efforts to the ‘bigger fish’ by targeting wholesale suppliers, large warehouses and logistics centers in various cities which proved to be hotspots for counterfeit goods,” Barba said in a press conference IPOPHL held last Feb. 24. 

He added that the committee is currently working closely with local government units (LGUs) to help them institutionalize an Anti-Counterfeiting and Anti-Piracy Policy, which can ensure the strict implementation of the IP Code and foster a culture of fair business practices and respect for IP rights at the local level. 

Barba said IPOPHL met recently with Makati City government representatives and is planning to soon meet with San Juan City government representatives to address long-standing issues of its Greenhills Mall, which was again flagged in the United States Trades Representatives’ Notorious Markets List 2021.

“We are also establishing stronger coordination processes with these LGUS. With an early notification and more information, the NCIPR can better prevent these illegal goods from getting into the hands of consumers and help IP right holders take action against violators,” Barba added.

The 2021 haul is also higher by 110% than the P9.8 billion in 2020, showing a return to normal of raid operations and search. In 2021, NCIPR secured 324 search warrants compared to only 109 in the previous year.

Based on initial reports, cigarettes and alcohol made up the bulk, followed by handbags and wallets and footwear products. 

The NCIPR is an interagency body that formulates and implements plans and policies, as well as strengthens the protection and enforcement of IP rights in the country.

Aside from IPOPHL, the NCIPR is composed of 13 other members, namely the Department of Trade and Industry; Department of Justice; Department of Information and Communications Technology; Bureau of Customs; Food and Drug Administration; National Bureau of Investigation; Philippine National Police; Optical Media Board; National Book Development Board; Office of the Special Envoy on Transnational Crime; Department of the Interior and Local Government; National Telecommunications Commission.# (Hannah Dione Lucero, Media Relations Officer, Communications and Marketing Office, Documentation, Information and Technology Transfer Bureau, Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines)

IP filings turn around with double-digit growth as economy reopened for 2021

The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) said intellectual property (IP) filings from January to December 2021 grew 11.6% year-on-year (YOY) to a total of 46,496, recovering significantly from the 2020 drop as lighter quarantine restrictions last year reignited business and IP-related activities.

From taking the biggest hit in 2020, Utility Model (UM) filings made the biggest recovery, recording a 20% YOY boost to a total of 1,588. The rebound, which was faster than the 4% YOY growth in pre-pandemic year 2019, was driven by residents whose UM filings grew 24.4% with a total of 24,015. Non-resident filers dipped by 44% to 48. 

Food chemistry made the largest contribution to the sum, with 815 UM filings. This was followed by basic materials chemistry (with 92 filings made); other special machines (77); handling (75); and civil engineering (57). 

Trademark applications surged by 12% to 39,616, with resident filers accounting for the bulk at 24,015 and bouncing back with a 14% YOY growth.  Non-resident filings also rebounded with 12%. In total, trademark filings last year grew at a faster pace than 2019’s 10% annual growth.

Trademark filings growth was largely due to pharmaceuticals, health, and cosmetics filings, which totalled 11,360. Agricultural products and services (10,977) came second, followed by scientific research, information and communication technology (8,946); management, communications, real estate and financial services (7,624); and textiles, clothing and accessories (5,843).

Meanwhile, patent filings expanded by 10% to 4,031. Filers under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), who propelled patent filing activities, expanded by 12% by 3,344 while resident filers grew at 455 by 9%. 

Pharmaceutical patents pushed the hike (with 3,170 filings), followed by organic fine chemistry (1,562); biotechnology, (994); basic materials chemistry, (614); and food chemistry, (443).

Industrial Design (ID) filings, meanwhile, continued its decline although at a slower rate compared to 2020’s 37%. ID applications fell by -0.2% to 1,261. Resident ID filings contracted -0.3% to 644 while non-resident filings remained the same at 617. 

A total of 152 filings under the means of transport classification made up the majority. Trailing behind were packages and containers for the transport or handling of goods (95); recording, communication or information retrieval equipment (64); furnishing (62); fluid distribution equipment, sanitary, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning equipment, solid fuel (54). 

Deposits for copyright, meanwhile, soared 123% to 2086 from 940.

The top five fields for copyright deposits last year were in other literary, scholarly, scientific and artistic works category (709 deposits); books, pamphlets, articles, e-books, audio books, comics, novels, and other writings (439); musical compositions with or without lyrics (281); drawings, paintings, architectural works, sculpture, engraving, prints, lithography and others (236); and computer programs, software, games, applications (137); 

“This significant rebound, notably in UM, trademarks, patents and copyright, was made possible by our aggressive IP promotion campaigns to reach more inventors, artists and entrepreneurs. On top of this is our continuous work to upgrade, streamline and digitalize our services to attract more customers,” Director General Rowel S. Barba said.

“Our accomplishment in re-stimulating demand for IP creation and protection has motivated us stronger to sustain our momentum in rebuilding the economy with IP,” he added.# (Hannah Dione Lucero, Media Relations Officer, Communications and Marketing Office, Documentation, Information and Technology Transfer Bureau, Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines)

US highlights positive enforcement efforts of IPOPHL, NCIPR amid pandemic challenges

The United States Trade Representative (USTR) has recognized the National Committee on Intellectual Property Rights (NCIPR) for its sustained and renewed enforcement efforts despite challenges to conduct raids and the increased piracy and counterfeiting — particularly of pharmaceuticals and medical products — during the pandemic. 

In the USTR’s newly released 2021 Notorious Markets List, only the Philippines and four other countries were highlighted for “positive developments” in anti-counterfeit actions by the government. 

The Bureau of Customs, a member of the NCIPR which is led by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), was noted for its seizure of counterfeit medicine and personal protective equipment in Manila, as well as a substantial amount of counterfeit luxury goods in Pasay. 

The USTR also cited some critical partnerships that IPOPHL sealed last year, such as with the International Trademark Association and the Asia Video Industry Association, to curb counterfeiting and piracy, respectively. 

It also mentioned IPOPHL’s contribution in making possible the landmark memorandum of understanding (MOU) between brand owners and e-commerce platforms Lazada and Shopee. The MOU establishes a notice-and-takedown procedure and a feedback mechanism for right holders. 

“The United States commends these efforts and encourages governments, right holders, service providers, and the owners and operators of these and other markets, including those newly identified in the 2021 NML, to engage in sustained and meaningful efforts to combat piracy 

and counterfeiting,” the USTR report read. 

IPOPHL Director General and NCIPR Acting Chair Rowel S. Barba welcomed the USTR’s recognition.

“We are delighted especially as this comes at a time enforcement authorities are faced with new challenges. The pandemic and the subsequent e-commerce boom has brought a wave of online counterfeiting and piracy activities that is becoming our new normal,” Barba said. 

“More work is surely ahead but this only motivates us to beef up our enforcement efforts and innovate in our approaches, in order to continue positioning the country as a place where IP investments are valued and protected,” he added. 

Greenhills still on list 

However, the USTR report remained to include the Greenhills Shopping Center as one of the 35 notorious physical markets for counterfeit goods in 2021. The mall has long been on the list for selling fake electronics, perfumes, watches, shoes, accessories and fashion items. 

This time, however, the USTR noted a new concern in that sellers are “becoming bolder in displaying and openly discussing the illicit nature of the counterfeit goods, instead of discretely hiding the counterfeit goods under the tables as they did in the past.” 

Nevertheless, the USTR recognized the Philippine government’s efforts to curb counterfeiting in the San Juan-based mall, particularly through an enforcement and monitoring agreement with the local government and the creation of a working group composed of various agencies from the NCIPR and the Department of Information and Communications Technology. 

“We recently formed within the NCIPR a technical working group that is specifically tasked to address issues with Greenhills. We are considering new approaches and  efforts in institutionalizing IP respect in the mall, from the seller-community up to top-level management, to see its culture changed for the better,” IPOPHL Deputy Director General Teodoro C. Pascua said. 

The Notorious Markets List is an annual list released by the USTR since 2011. It highlights online and physical markets that reportedly engage in or facilitate substantial trademark counterfeiting or copyright piracy, and aims to help market operators and governments protect IPs of American businesses. # (Hannah Dione Lucero, Media Relations Officer, Communications and Marketing Office, Documentation, Information and Technology Transfer Bureau, Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines)

Business leaders bullish on faster Phil. Economic Recovery, Alert Level 1

            Philippine economic recovery will accelerate this year with the expected transition to Alert Level 1 in March, full reopening of businesses and even possible reopening of schools in June, said Presidential adviser on Entrepreneurship & GoNegosyo founder Joey Concepcion, Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PCCI) President George Barcelon and Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) President Dr. Henry Lim Bon Liong at Pandesal Forum of 83-year-old Kamuning Bakery Café in Quezon City.  

The three business leaders all expressed high hopes and optimism that Philippine gross domestic product (GDP) growth will be “higher than 7%” for 2022.

            The business leaders also hope for a successful, orderly national election on May 9 and that the newly-elected leaders shall continue the Build, Build, Build infrastructure projects and other socio-economic reforms of President Rodrigo R. Duterte.#

DENR nakahanap ng kakampi sa mga NGOs para sa paggamit ng kawayan sa Marikina watershed rehab

            Nakahanap ng katuwang ang Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) sa iba’t-ibang non-government organizations para sa implementasyon ng bagong programa para sa rehabilitasyon ng Marikina Watershed sa pamamagitan ng paggamit ng kawayan bilang “planting materials.”

            Ang memorandum of agreement (MOA) na nilagdaan ng mga nasabing grupo at siyang magbibigay sa “program partners” ng bamboo production technology training at good agro-forest practices upang magkaroon ng bamboo social enterprises habang pinalalago ang mga tanim, base na rin sa mga alituntunin ng DENR. Sakop ng programa ang 20 ektaryang lupain sa Marikina Watershed na ipamamahagi sa pamamagitan ng DENR’s Enhanced National Greening Program. Kabilang sa mga signatories ng MOA ang Rotary International District 3830, Samahang Kawayan ng Karugo Agri Farmers Association, at Philippine Bamboo Foundation Inc. at ang DENR Calabarzon.

            “Bago pa man ginawa ito ay kinilala na ng ating kalihim ang prayoridad at pagkilala sa bamboo bilang pangunahing species na pino-promote ng DENR,” saad ni DENR-Region 4A Executive Director Nilo B. Tamoria sa ginanap na program launch sa DENR Central Office noong Pebrero 16.

            “Nabuo po ang Task Force Build Back Better at ang isa sa mga estratehiya ay ang watershed management diyan sa upper Marikina River Basin sa tulong ng riverbanks stabilization para maging stable ang riverbanks na dinadaluyan ng tubig kapag malakas ang ulan,” aniya.

            Ayon pa kay Tamoria, noong 2021 ay itinayo ang seedling nursery sa Sitio Karugo, Barangay San Rafael, Rodriguez, Rizal ng Rotary International Districts 3780 at 3830.

            Sinabi pa nito na ang programa ay kinakailangan para makamit ang “total rehabilitation” ng Marikina Watershed.

            Binigyang-diin ni dating DENR Secretary Roy A. Cimatu ang kahalagahan ng paggamit ng kawayan sa construction industry at mapababa ang epekto ng climate change.

             “Bamboo is not just an alternative to construction materials but it also helps in mitigating climate change. This is why I am pushing for the creation of mini bamboo forests in the country which will also spur a vibrant bamboo lumber industry,” saad ni Cimatu na kumakailan ay nagbitiw sa kanyang tungkulin bilang Kalihim ng DENR dahil sa kanyang kalusugan.

            Ang inisyal na yugto ng proyekto ay kasama ang pagtatayo ng nursery kabilang na dito ang pagpapalaki ng bamboo planting materials mula anim hanggang walong buwan, habang ang ikalawang yugto ay ang pagtatanim ng “grown bamboo planting materials sa 20-hectare land na inilaan para sa Rotary International District 3830 sa pakikipagtulungan ng Samahang Kawayan ng Karugo Agri Farmers Association.

            Sakop ng MOA ang pagbibigay ng proteksiyon ng kalupaan sa loob ng limang taon.

            Sa ginanap na seremonya, ang DENR at ang Rotary International District 3830 ay pinangunahan ang turnover ng tseke na umaabot sa One Million and Thirty Pesos (P1,000,030.00) sa Samahang Kawayan ng Karugo Agri Farmers Association para sa funding ng rehabilitation project.

            Ang proyekto ay pinasimulan ng Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council at ng Task Force Tayo ang Kalikasan.

            Ang MOA signing ay pinangunahan nina Tamoria, Rotary International District 3830 district governor Dr. Ma. Jocelyn Genevieve L. Tan, Philippine Bamboo Foundation Inc. president Edgardo C. Manda, at Samahang Kawayan ng Karugo Agri Farmers Association president Edgar Mariano.

            Samantala, ang mga signatories naman sa 10-hectare site sa Barangay Puray, Rodriguez, Rizal ay sina Regional Executive Director Nilo B. Tamoria ng DENR Region 4A, Rotary International District 3780 district governor Edgardo N. Ayento, Tribal Council Association ng Puray Inc. president Angelito V. Cruz, at ni The Bamboo Professionals Inc. president Robert A. Natividad. Ibinigay ng Rotary International District 3780 ang tseke na may halagang Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (P500,000.00).

            Naging punong-abala sa event ang tanggapan ni DENR Officer-in-Charge Jim O. Sampulna. ### (Strategic Communication and Initiatives Service (SCIS)

PAST NPC PRESIDENT APPOINTED AS SENIOR DEPUTY ADMINISTRATOR OF NATIONAL IRRIGATION ADMINISTRATION

ITINALAGA ni Pangulong Rodrigo Roa Duterte bilang Senior Deputy Administrator ng National Irrigation Administration (NIA) ang dating Pangulo ng National Press Club. Nilagdaan ng Pangulo ang Appointment noon pang Enero 19, 2022.

Matatandaang si Benny Diaz Antiporda ay dating Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) undersecretary ng Solid Waste Management and Local Government Units (LGU) Concerns at naging board member ng Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority. Pinalitan ni G. Antiporda si Abraham B. Bagasin. Samantala, wala umanong kinalaman ang napaulat na pag-resign ni DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu sa paglipat ni Antiporda sa NIA sa halip kalusugan ang dahilan ng pag-alis ng huli sa nabanggit na ahensya.

Si G. Antiporda ay naging Pangulo ng Confederation of ASEAN Journalists (CAJ)at National Press Club of the Philippines bilang isang mamamahayag. Nagtapos sya ng kolehiyo sa Chiang Kai Shek College.

Ilang kasamahan kawani sa DENR ang nagbigay ng pagpupugay kay Antiporda sa huling araw ng pananatili nito sa nasabing ahensya.

“Don’t be afraid to start from scratch” and “Take time to touch people’s hearts”, yan ang laging ibinibilin nya sa kanyang mga kaibigan at katrabaho.

Naniniwala naman si Presidential Spokesperson at Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles na muling mapagtatagumpayan ni Antiporda ang posisyon sa NIA. Kailangan umano mapagbuti pa ang serbisyong irigasyon upang umunlad ang sektor ng pagsasaka sa bansa.#

DA-BFAR’S STATEMENT ON THE LIFTING OF THE MORATORIUM ON THE ISSUANCE OF NEW COMMERCIAL FISHING VESSEL/GEAR LICENSE

The Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources will be accepting applications for new Commercial Fishing Vessel/Gear License, following the expiration of the Moratorium on the issuance of new Commercial Fishing Vessel/Gear License (CFVGL) on January 23, 2022.

Applicants may file their application, together with the complete requirements, to the BFAR Regional Office that has jurisdiction over the homeport of the vessel.

The filing of new CFVGL is covered by Fisheries Administrative Order No. 198-1, series of 2018 or the “Rules and regulations governing the registration and licensing of commercial fishing vessels, fishing gears and fish workers.”

DA-BFAR would like to remind its stakeholders that only applications with complete requirements in accordance with FAO 198-1 shall be accepted by the BFAR Regional Offices.

The Moratorium on the issuance of new CFVGL, which lasted three years, took effect on January 24, 2019 by virtue of BFAR Administrative Circular No. 253-1, series of 2018.#

Permits / Licenses Application Procedures

Purposes / Objectives:

To process CFV/GL applications coming from National Capital Region, new CFV/GL vessel applications coming from Regions 1 to 13, ARMM and CAR for issuance of a three (3) year CFV/GL and IFP fishing in International Waters, registration of fishing gear for catchers, fish workers I.D. card for pa-aling fisherman, foreign fisherman, foreign fisherman’s license, Certificate of Eligibility, Clearance for importation of fishing vessels.

Policy Guidelines:

Republic Act. No. 8550
Fisheries Administrative Order No. 198, series of 2000
Fisheries Administrative Order No. 191, series of 1995
Action by:

Fishing Vessel Policy and Licensing Section – processing, evaluation of fishing vessels application for support vessels and inspection of fishing gear for catchers submitted by applicants.
OIC, Office of the Assistant Director for Administrative Services – initials endorsement letter and CFV/GL.
BFAR Director – signs CFV/G License for endorsement to the company and owner/operator
Forms / Documents Required:

A. Commercial Fishing Vessel / Gear License

Application for Commercial Fishing Vessel / Gear License (New / Renewal)
Application for Fishing Gear Registration
Grid map for identification of exact fishing location
Certification that the fishing vessel is not involved in any administration and judicial case
Affidavit of Undertaking stating the operator has complied with Section 25 of RA 8550
Certificate of Inspection issued by the Philippine Coast Guard
Certificates of Ownership, Vessel Registry issued by MARINA
Report of ocular inspection for catcher vessel
8x10 picture of vessel
Articles of Incorporation and By-laws for corporations
Business name for single proprietorship
The license may be renewed within sixty (60) days before its expiration.

B. International Fishing Permit

Application for International Fishing Permit (fishing in International Waters)
Letter of Intent
Original and/or Xerox copy of approved CFVGL
Certificate of Inspection for International waters
C. Fish Workers ID Card

Application form
Community Tax Certificate
2 copies of 1x1 picture
Barangay Clearance
D. Foreign Fisherman's License

Two (2) color pictures, passport size (2x2) of the applicant
Alien employment Permit (AEP) issued by the Department of Labor
Certified photocopy of applicant’s passport and/or Seaman’s Book
Certified photocopy of Authority to Employ issued by the Bureau of Immigration, Department of Justice
Bio-data using BFAR form
E. Certificate of Eligibility

Letter of Intent
Proforma Invoice
Company Profile
Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws duly approved by SEC
Deed of Sale
F. Importation of Fishing Vessel

Letter of Intent
MARINA approval
Customs release paper of the vessel
Certificate of payment of taxes. Certificates of Ownership, Admeasurement and Change of Nave of Vessel
Certificates of Ownership, Admeasurement and Change of Nave of Vessel
Certificate of Inspection
Articles of Incorporation and By-laws
Vessel picture size 8x10
Survey Report from country of origin
G. Other Forms

Application for Registration (Radio Transmitters / Transceivers)
Application for Ship Station License (Domestic)
Registration, License, Application Fees and Cash Bond Deposit

Commercial Fishing – Application, Registration, and Licensing Fees of Commercial Fishing Vessel / Gear

The application for Commercial Fishing Vessel License (CFVL) and the registration of the fishing gear (RFG) shall be Four Hundred (P400.00) and Two Hundred (200.00) pesos, respectively, payable to the Bureau which is non-transferable and non-refundable.

The annual license fee shall be payable to the Bureau in accordance with the following rates:

For Commercial Fishing Vessel License

For vessels of 20.1 to 50.0 gross tons

P 250.00+2.00/GT or a fraction thereof

For vessels of 50.1 to 100.0 gross tons

P 300.00+2.00/GT or a fraction thereof

For vessels of 100.1 to 125.0 gross tons

P 500.00+3.00/GT or a fraction thereof

For vessels of 125.0 to 150.0 gross tons

P 1,000.00+3.00/GT or a fraction thereof

For vessels of 150.1 to 250.0 gross tons

P 1,500.00+3.00/GT or a fraction thereof

For vessels of 250.1 and above

P 2,500.00+4.00/GT or a fraction thereof

For vessels of 3.1 to 20.0 gross tons

P 200.00 + P2.00/GT or a fraction thereof

For Gear License

Small-scale commercial fishing

P 200.00 per year

Medium-scale commercial fishing

P 400.00 per year

Large-scale commercial fishing

P 600.00 per year

Cash Bond Deposit for Fishing Vessel

Before a license is issued, the applicant, as guaranty of good faith and for satisfactory compliance with the terms and conditions of the license, shall post a cash bond deposit to the Bureau which shall be non-transferable in accordance with the following rates:

For vessels of 3.0 to 20.0 gross tons

P 250.00

For vessels of 20.1 to 50.0 gross tons

P 350.00

For vessels of 50.1 to 75 gross tons

P 450.00

For vessels of 75.1 to 100.0 gross tons

P 550.00

For vessels of 100.0 to 150.0 gross tons

P 650.00

For vessels of 150.1 to 250.0 gross tons

P 750.00

For vessels of 250.1 to 500.0 gross tons

P 850.00

Forfeiture of Cash Bond Deposit – The Director may forfeit the cash bond deposit in favor of the government upon the cancellation of the license for cause.

Refund of Cash Bond Deposit – A cash bond deposit may be returned upon the request of the licensee, the assignees, heir/s or administrators upon the submission of the original Official Receipt therefore, to the Director together with the letter citing the reason for such refund. In case of loss of said Official Receipt, an Affidavit declaring the circumstances of such loss may be submitted in lieu thereof together with the said letter.

Public transport advocates urge PWD-friendly public transport, pedestrianize streets, more bike lanes & other public transport reforms

            Transport economist Robert Siy, Pasada commuter group advocate Dom Hernandez and former Senator Nikki Coseteng called on government to upgrade public transport, ease restrictions on provincial buses north of Metro Manila and other urgent public transport reforms at the Pandesal Forum of 83-year-old Kamuning Bakery Café in Quezon City. Siy said bike owners to car owners in the Philippines is 4 bike owners to 1 car owner, therefore cities nationwide should ensure more bike lanes. Coseteng said: “Public transport is not only a human need, it is a basic human right.” Moderator Wilson Lee Flores also added that Philippine roads and highways should all be planted with trees on both sides, should have pedestrian walkways or sidewalks, and bike lanes should be safe and should have tactile surface “blind lanes” to guide blind person where to safely walk.

            Nikki Coseteng asked why only 10% of provincial buses are allowed to service commuters and thousands of buses are parked in Bocaue when the commuters need more public transport options, while Dom Hernandez added that the 10% of provincial buses now servicing commuters have only 50% allowable seating capacity under Alert Level 2. They also urged additional support for the distressed public transport firms, drivers and workers, especially after they’ve suffered two years of pandemic disruptions.  

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            Robert Siy of the Move as One coalition said that government should be less “car-centric” in planning and policies, but focus on helping public transport more. He that only 5% of households nationwide in the Philippines own or use cars, while 11.5% of Metro Manila households use cars, so government should allocate more balancing of budget in “Build, Build, Build” infrastructures to public transport. Siy said: “We should move people more, not just move cars. Let us encourage more people to ride public transport.” Coseteng also proposed that government should build modern bus and transport terminals to make commuting more efficient.

Hernandez urges that the worsening problem of “colorum” or unregistered, no-franchise public transport vehicles be tackled and resolved. Hernandez said that commuters in the Philippines have endured nonstop public transport hassles daily for many years and urged for comprehensive reforms.

            Coseteng also proposed the adoption of e-jeepneys or electric-powered vehicles as more efficient, environmentally-friendly alternatives to existing public transport vehicles, with government subsidizing costs of replacements of old jeepneys.

            Former Senator Nikki Coseteng also issued a public bet challenge of P2 million pesos at Pandesal Forum, for any top government official to ride public transport daily, so that they could truly understand and empathize with the plight of millions of commuters.#

IPOPHL to candidates: Respect IP law, seek permission from copyright holders

The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) is reminding candidates and their political parties to strictly observe the IP Code of 1997 by seeking authorization from intellectual property (IP) owners and compensating them to use their works for their campaigns. 

Given the massive use of copyrighted works — such as photos, audiovisual content and songs, among many others — for political advertisements and promotional materials, Director General Rowel S. Barba said “the election period is a great time for candidates to help artists recover from the pandemic-induced economic downturn.”

“I hope candidates compensate our artists fairly for their contributions in creating more effective and creative campaign messages,” Barba said, noting that playing copyrighted works like songs to the public, even through sorties or motorcades, may also require a fee. 

But before making any payment, candidates must always seek IP right holders’ permission first before using their works, according to the IPOPHL chief. 

“Even as candidates are willing to pay a handsome fee, they first and foremost have to ask copyright holders’ permission to use their works in their political ads, and respect their decision if their proposals are turned down if it’s because they refuse any association from a certain political party,” Barba said. 

The right to refuse the communication of a work to the public is part of the set of economic and moral rights granted to copyright holders by the IP Code of 1997. 

Barba said candidates can now simply find the copyright holders and message them through social media networks to seek permission. 

To use a song, musical composition or sound recording, candidates can also reach out to the relevant IPOPHL-accredited collective management organizations (CMOs), namely Filipino Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, Inc. (FILSCAP), Philippines Recorded Music Rights Inc. (PRM) or the Independent Music Producers of the Philippines (IMPRO), to find the music copyright owners, seek permission or to negotiate a fee. 

Barba noted that while campaign jingles had been the biggest source of infringement complaints in past election periods, the agency remains to have its eyes wide open on possible cases and disputes that may arise involving new marketing trends in the 2022 elections. 

The IPOPHL chief also noted that with social media now becoming the battleground for political marketing, IPOPHL is closely watching developments on various social media platforms. 

He encouraged aggrieved artists to also closely monitor political campaigns and take advantage of social media platforms’ mechanisms to enforce their IP rights, whether by demanding a fee or requesting a take-down of infringing content. 

Barba warned that with the public now more aware of IP and copyright, candidates should ensure they have a high ethical standard in using others’ works. 

“Candidates must be mindful of how they use copyrighted works, and encourage their supporters to do the same when creating materials for their online promotions or self-organized rallies, if they want to avoid backlash and a decrease in supporters,” Barba said. 

“In the past, electorates would learn about copyright and IP due to infringement issues that candidates would be embroiled in. Hopefully, this election season will be different in that candidates respect and promote respect for IP rights instead of stealing them,” the IPOPHL chief added. 

DOST marks the start of 120-day feeding program in Bautista, Pangasinan

The Department of Science and Technology Region I (DOST-IO), under its Community Empowerment thru Science and Technology (CEST) program, launched a feeding program to improve the nutritional status of children from Barangay Diaz, Palisoc, and Vacante in Bautista, Pangasinan. 

Through the Provincial S&T Center in Pangasinan Field Office, with the cooperation of barangay health workers, 65 undernourished children were identified to undergo the supplementary feeding program. Adopted from the DOST Package for the Improvement of Nutrition for Young children (PINOY) strategy, the participants will receive complementary foods for 120 days in addition to their daily food intakes and will be weighed every month to determine the improvement of their nutritional status. The complementary food technology was developed by the DOST-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI).  

Cecilia Solomon, Barangay Midwife-designate, was present at the program launch and she encouraged the parents to be resourceful in preparing nutritious meals for their kids. “Nutrition doesn’t stop after the 120 days feeding, let us help in improving and sustaining a good nutritional status of our children after the feeding program,” she added.  

Also, Jennifer Fernandez, Science Research Specialist II, demonstrated the preparation of the food blend, and awarded six (6) boxes of ready-to-eat (RTE) chicken arroz caldo to the beneficiaries. The RTE chicken arroz caldo is a technology developed by the DOST- Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST- ITDI) to address immediate hunger with ready-to-eat food that has longer shelf-life and are safe during calamities.# (Lyngel B. Ulanday)