IPOPHL launches IPRDP to transform Cagayan Valley into East Asian gateway for investment and innovation
October 11, 2024
The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) has launched its Intellectual Property Regional Development Plan (IPRDP) for the Cagayan Valley, a strategic initiative aimed at positioning the region as a pivotal East Asian gateway for investment.
This ambitious plan has garnered support from a diverse coalition of stakeholders, including various regional government agencies, the private sector and educational institutions.
From the regional government, the new partners to the IPRDP include the Commission of Higher Education (CHED), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).
From the private sector, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) from the region joined hands to support the IPRDP. From the academe, Cagayan State University (CU), Isabela State University (ISU), Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU) and Quirino State University (QSU) came forward.
On October 9, these partners formalized their commitment by signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU), which outlines their shared vision to create and implement a cohesive framework to safeguard and commercialize IP in the region.
Situated in the northeastern part of mainland Luzon, the Cagayan Valley stands as the second largest region in the country. In 2023, the Cagayan Valley’s economy grew by 6.2% to P447.07 billion, making it the seventh fastest growing economy out of 17 regions in the country.
IPOPHL Director General Rowel S. Barba highlighted the region’s fertile soil and potential as a key hub for trade and investment in the country.
“With its natural resources, vast agricultural lands and its strategic location along international trade routes, Cagayan Valley shows abundant potential to be a center for agro-industrial and manufacturing activities. In this context, IP can give the region the opportunity to be ahead in innovation,” IPOPHL Director General Rowel S. Barba said.
Documentation, Information and Technology Transfer Bureau Director Ralph Jarvis H. Alindogan said the IPRDP for Region II aligns with the Cagayan Valley Regional Development Plan (CVRDP) 2023-2028, which looks to the promise of innovation to transform its production sectors with more quality jobs and competitive products.
Through its CVRDP, the region envisions to be the gateway to East Asia by 2040, with its economy driven by agro-industries, manufacturing, IT-based industries, nature and culture tourism.
“With the IPRDP and the support of the new partners we made today, IPOPHL could help realize the region’s goal to be a key economic corridor that connects the Philippines to broader markets and bring more homegrown innovations and brands to the world,” Alindogan said. # # # (Janina Lim, Information Officer III)