IPOPHL honors IP mediators and arbitrators for excellence in alternative dispute resolution
December 12, 2024
The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) has recognized several outstanding mediators, arbitrators, and IP practitioners who are strengthening alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms in the country.
The honorees were awarded at the inaugural ceremony of the Bureau of Legal Affairs’ (BLA) Recognition of IP ADR Excellence (RIAE) Awards held last December 2, 2024, at the University of the Philippines – BGC. The awards highlighted the pivotal role of ADR in fostering a more efficient, accessible, and cost-effective approach to resolving IP disputes.
The Certificate of Accreditation in Mediation was awarded to the following distinguished individuals for their continuous dedication as part of IPOPHL’s roster of mediators who are presently serving under the BLA’s ADR Service unit:
- Atty. Imelda M. Dangoy
- Atty. Editha R. Hechanova
- Atty. Elizabeth R. Pulumbarit
- Ms. Vilmi S. Quipit
- Dr. Francisco D. Ramirez Jr.
- Ms. Gloria Z. Seno
- Mr. Isagani G. Tan Jr.
- Mr. Mauro Rene C. Tanchanco
- Atty. Maria Gladys C. Vilchez
Three newly-accredited mediators – Atty. Reena Mitra-Ventanilla, Atty. Michael Marlowe Uy, and Atty. Herbert B. Hernane – were also recognized with the Certificate of Accreditation in Mediation.
IP practitioners Atty. Anna Lee S. Bartolo, Atty. Emmanuelle Nicole Valencia, and Atty. Asuncion Omila received the Certificate of Recognition as junior mediators who will help advocate for the mediation service.
Atty. Darwin Angeles, Atty. Jacques Lynn, Atty. Gladys Vilchez and Atty. Editha Hechanova were given the Certificate of Accreditation in Arbitration as part of the initial roster of arbitrators for the newly revived arbitration service.
Meanwhile, the following received the Certificate of Recognition for their prospective roles in uplifting the quality of IPOPHL’s arbitration service: Atty. Allesandra Fay V. Albarico, Atty. Niezel Anen T. Sabrido, Atty. Paul Heherson M. Balite, Atty. Jonalyn G. Porquez-Sampiano, and Atty. Eilyn E. Medina-Garcia.
Meanwhile, the Best Mediators Award was conferred upon the following individuals who have consistently exemplified exceptional performance and dedication in resolving disputes: Ms. Vilmi S. Quipit, Atty. Imelda Dangoy, Atty. Elizabeth Pulumbarit, Dr. Francisco Ramirez Jr., and Mr. Mauro Rene Tanchanco. Due to their expertise and presence as well-known practitioners of IP mediation, as evidenced by their track record, these mediators have been IPOPHL’s dependable partners in establishing the impartiality and objectivity of BLA’s ADR services among stakeholders.
Leading firms that have shown dedication to advancing the use of ADR for their clients have received the ADR Advocates Award. The honorees are Ochave & Escalona; Betita Cabilao Casuela Sarmiento; Angara Abello Concepcion Regala Cruz; Quisumbing Torres; and Bengzon & Untalan. These firms have been instrumental in conveying the effectiveness of IP ADR to resolve IP disputes, improved access to justice, and the viability of a more satisfactory outcome for all parties.
During the awarding, the BLA also held a panel discussion highlighting best practices in future-proofing mediation services. The panel was composed of Atty. Editha Hechanova, managing partner of Hechanova Bugay Vilchez & Andaya-Racadio Law, and Mauro Rene Tanchanco, a mediator under the Conflict Resolution (Core) Group Foundation, Inc.
Another panel discussion centered on identifying limitations in arbitrating IP disputes and potential advancements. Atty. Darwin Angeles, partner and head of the IP Department of MOSVELDTT Law, and Atty. Daniel Hofileña, a founding partner of the Kalaw, Prasad, and Hofileña Law, steered the conversations.
In his remarks, Deputy Director General Nathaniel S. Arevalo spotlighted IPOPHL’s push to have more companies and organizations embrace the benefits of ADR.
“IPOPHL has continuously ensured that there are systems and practices in place for an effective mediation process, which help to mend relationships, establish trust, and turn disputes into potential opportunities. This we show from the institution of mandatory mediation and offering of capacity-building programs to the streamlining of the mediation process and push for online mediation. We will continuously ensure access and the elevation of our ADR services,” Arevalo said.
The BLA launched the RIAE Awards this year to celebrate the valuable contributions of advocates and practitioners of ADR, especially to recognize the roster of exceptional ADR practitioners who continuously advocate for speedy dispute resolution through the BLA-ADR Services.