Policymakers call for more visibility of women in science and creativity

May 5, 2023

Policymakers have resounded a call for a stronger thrust in supporting more women to effectively use their IP rights, recognizing that such strategy can help them thrive in the science and creative fields.

“Philippine women’s participation in intellectual property filings is essential to fostering innovation, diversity, and economic growth,” Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual said at the Gawad Yamang Isip Awards (GYI) and Fashion Night held last April 26 in celebration of World IP Day and National IP Month, both themed “Women and IP: Accelerating Innovation and Creativity.”

He emphasized the continued lack of representation and visibility of women in innovation fields, as reflected for example in gender disparities in international patenting — one proxy for measuring innovation — and cited social and economic factors that lead to women’s low visibility in tech.

“Gender stereotypes and unconscious biases may discourage women from pursuing careers that typically generate IP such as Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics or STEM. These biases can also affect decision-making processes, leading to potential disparities in funding support. Encouraging women’s participation in IP requires strong education and career development foundation, especially in the Sciences and Technology,” Pascual added.

Meanwhile, Christopher “Toff” V.P. De Venecia recognized many amazing women, some of whom have even registered their IPs — such as National Artists for Dance Agnes Locsin and Alice Reyes.

He then lauded IPOPHL’s programs, the Juana Make a Mark and the Juana Patent and Juana Design Protection Incentive Programs – which provide financial incentives and technical assistance to women in their IP applications, for propelling women entrepreneurs and inventors into creating more IPs.

“Government is going to make it easier for you to get protection and participate in the remuneration of your work. After all a thriving intellectual property ecology is good not only for the creative workers, but for the entire creative economy and the whole of society,” De Venecia added,

Also gracing the event was Senator Imee R. Marcos, who described IP as “pivotal and essential” for the economic growth and inclusiveness not only of women but also of other underrepresented sectors, such as indigenous communities.

To recall, Marcos is the main proponent of Senate Bill 1716 or Safeguarding the Traditional Property Rights of Indigenous Peoples Bill.

During her speech, the lawmaker said copyright protection deriving from this law “will allow [indigenous peoples’] designs to be protected and respected throughout the ages, no longer to be exploited and utilized and very frequently, rather disrespectfully, commercialized by many both here and abroad.”

The annual GYI, in line with this year’s theme that celebrates women, awarded several women who have used their IPs to create more decent livelihoods and empower fellow women entrepreneurs, innovators and creatives.

The GYI was also infused with a night of fashion to feature the great strides made by women in IP and celebrate Philippine couture and fabrics as sources of culture and economic recovery.

The Fashion Night also celebrated heirloom products that are pivotal in expanding the country’s growing geographical indications map as around 32% of IPOPHL’s official list of potential GIs are made up of local textile and wearable products.

The Fashion Night also showcased creations by award-winning designers such as JC Buendia, Pablo Cabahug and Jor-el Espina.

IPOPHL owes the successful celebration in large part to its partners, namely the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Philippine Textile and Research Institute, Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority, Presidential Communications Office, IP Association of the Philippines, Philippine Fashion Coalition, La Herminia and UnionBank. # # # (Janina Lim, Information Officer III)