Barba Underscores Digitalization in 2020 - 2025 Agenda

December 26, 2020

Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines Director General Rowel S. Barba underscored at the Office's year-end program his six-point action plan, as captured in the word “BRIGHT” and includes a full-digitalization goal by end-2021.

“This BRIGHT Agenda was born at a time that we realized, more than ever, how fully future-proofing our services is critical to withstand disruptions such as a pandemic,” Barba said, noting that IPOPHL's optimized use of technology during the pandemic was a turning point.

In 2020, following the first report of a local COVID-19 case, IPOPHL completed its expansion of its e-services to finally allow end-to-end electronic processing of intellectual property (IP) registration and protection. An online copyright deposit system was also made available. 

IPOPHL also started holding online mediation and hearings to facilitate the adjudication of IP cases. It has expanded its payment options and, last October, launched its very own mobile app, the “IPOPHL Mobiliz,” where applicants can access IPOPHL's filing service, among others, using their mobile phone or devices. 

“Despite the challenge of restricted movement during quarantine, IPOPHL swiftly adapted with the new normal and was operating and providing seamless service in no time,” Barba added.

IPOPHL’s proven resilience thus gave rise to its newest slogan: “Rising, Shining, Beckoning!” It aims to encapsulate how IPOPHL rises up to challenges, shines beyond expectations, and beckons others to follow in its steps as it strives for excellence in governance. 

“Umaangat, Sumisikat, Naghihikayat! We welcome the role of inviting, encouraging and even motivating others to follow and adopt our best practices, systems and policies,” Barba added.

Propelled by this mantra and guided by its mid-term agenda, Barba hopes to steer IPOPHL forward in its vision of "a progressive Philippines using intellectual property assets for inclusive economic and social development by 2030." 

DTI lauds BRIGHT

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon M. Lopez welcomed IPOPHL’s BRIGHT Agenda, especially on digitization agenda, noting this would not only create greater awareness on the importance of registering intellectual properties with IPOPHL but will also align with DTI’s priority agenda.

"This is where business value is generated, benefitting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises in the future. Moreover, making this digital makes the process a lot easier.  Going digital is the ultimate form of Ease of Doing Business," Lopez said. 

"IPOPHL's efforts in digitalization will make government transactions more accessible and more convenient for all Filipinos. This will be a great gift to the Filipino people, aligned with the vision of the President to make lives more comfortable for our fellow Filipinos,” the trade chief added.

### (Janina Lim, Media Relations Officer)