IPOPHL says Kuya Kim Atienza’s trusted voice will amplify GMA’s anti-piracy campaign

IPOPHL says Kuya Kim Atienza’s trusted voice will amplify GMA’s anti-piracy campaign

November 12, 2024

The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) is championing the GMA Network’s appointment of well-loved television personality Kuya Kim Atienza as its official anti-piracy ambassador.

“With Kuya Kim on board, GMA is sending a powerful, relatable message that resonates across ages and social groups,” IPOPHL Director General Rowel S. Barba said during the unveiling of the new ambassador held Friday at the GMA Network Center.

“Kuya Kim’s reputation for promoting education and civic responsibility makes him a natural and compelling choice for this critical anti-piracy advocacy. As a well-regarded public figure, he has consistently championed public awareness and understanding of vital issues, a platform he will now use to drive home the message that piracy harms not only creators but the Filipino public at large,” he added.

IPOPHL Deputy Director General Ann Claire C. Cabochan added that GMA’s anti-piracy campaign, known with the tagline “Stream Responsibly, Fight Piracy,” comes at a time when illegal streaming and downloading are at unprecedented levels in the country, impacting creators and undermining local industries.

The latest YouGov consumer survey on piracy, commissioned by the Asia Video Industry Association’s (AVIA) Coalition Against Piracy (CAP), revealed that 70% of Filipinos consumed pirated content via online streaming this year, a proportion that is up from 58% in 2023.

This brings the country’s level of piracy consumption second highest in the Asia Pacific, next only to Vietnam where 71% admitted to illegal streaming.

“Digital piracy undermines the livelihood of our creative industries, weakens our economy and, ultimately, disrespects the value of Filipino ingenuity,” Cabochan said.

She also called on other media networks, digital platforms and telecommunications providers to emulate the initiative, working collectively toward a country where creativity and innovation are supported.

“IPOPHL cannot safeguard our fast-growing creative economy on its own. That is why we are grateful to GMA Network’s relentless pursuit of a piracy-free digital landscape that sets a standard worth emulating. IPOPHL stands beside you in this endeavor, supporting your initiatives to fight digital piracy,” Cabochan told GMA officials present at the launch. # # # (Janina Lim, Information Officer III)