Philippines Bolsters Agri-Fishery Exports Through Geographical Indication Protection

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) have renewed their partnership to bolster the value of agri-fishery exports. Both agencies signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Wednesday, placing great importance on the origin-based brands for various agricultural commodities. READ: Philippines strengthens farm trade with Egypt, Laos Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said safeguarding the place of origin of agricultural products provides market opportunities for the sector. “For generations, our farmers, fisherfolk and indigenous communities have cultivated products whose quality and identity are deeply rooted in their places of origin,” Tiu Laurel said. “Through geographical indications (GI), we can protect these unique products, preserve their authenticity, enhance consumer confidence, and create greater opportunities for our farming and fishing communities,” he added. The collaboration will secure the GIs of priority products, including Cordillera Heirloom Rice, Davao Pomelo, Zambales Mangoes, Davao Cacao, Davao Durian, Bonuan Bangus, Quezon Lambanog, Camarines Norte Queen Pineapple and Oriental Mindoro Calamansi. Prior to this, the provincial government of Bohol already filed the GI registration for ubi kinampay, the province’s iconic purple yam variety which is among the country’s heritage crops. The MOU involves creating a joint technical working group to develop a national GI roadmap, strengthen producer organizations and enhance certification and traceability systems. READ: Rice output decline reflects policy, market and climate failures The GI registration protects goods with unique quality, characteristics and reputation linked to their geographical origin and/or human factors, according to IPOPHL. A registered GI enjoys protection for an unlimited term, unless revoked with finality, preventing third parties from misleading the public with false origin claims of the goods. To date, the Philippines has four registered GIs: Guimaras Mangoes, Aklan Piña, Alburquerque Asin Tibuok and Tau Sebu T’nalak. INQ