Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) has strengthened its collaboration with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) to enhance the branding of agriculture and fisheries products from the Philippines. This renewed partnership aims to promote the premium value of these products through geographical indications (GIs).
According to Philippines News Agency, the renewed ties were formalized through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed on Wednesday, updating an earlier agreement from 2018. The MOU focuses on the implementation of geographical indications, which will help in expanding market opportunities for Philippine agri-fishery exports.
DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized the significance of this move, stating that the quality and identity of many local products are deeply rooted in their places of origin. By establishing GI protection, the DA aims to elevate these products into premium global brands.
Tiu Laurel highlighted that geographical indications will protect unique products, preserve their authenticity, and enhance consumer confidence. This initiative seeks to create greater opportunities for farming and fishing communities by drawing parallels to internationally recognized brands such as Champagne from France and Kobe beef from Japan, which command premium prices due to their origin, quality, and heritage.
The MOU outlines the creation of a joint technical working group tasked with developing a national GI roadmap. Priority products for GI protection include Cordillera Heirloom Rice, Davao Pomelo, Zambales Mangoes, Davao Cacao, Davao Durian, Bonuan Bangus, Quezon Lambanog, Camarines Norte Queen Pineapple, and Oriental Mindoro Calamansi.
A significant milestone in this endeavor is the application for GI registration of Bohol Ubi Kinampay with IPOPHL. During his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. cited ube as a product with competitive export potential and called for greater value addition in the country's agricultural products.
Apart from the GI roadmap, the DA-IPOPHL partnership will also focus on supporting producer organizations, enhancing certification and traceability systems, and assisting local products in penetrating higher-value domestic and export markets.
