The Intellectual Property Office recently launched the 1^st Consultative Forum for a National IP Strategy where IPO Director General Adrian Cristobal, Jr. led the unveiling of the new IPO Philippines --- its new look, enhanced products and services and business plan for 2005 to 2007 aimed at making the country's IP system more effective in promoting and protecting creativity and innovation. During the launch, Cristobal stressed the need for a coherent and consolidated national IP strategy as a tool for national development. The forum was attended and participated by IP advocates and stakeholders from the fields of agriculture, patent reform, copyright, public health, small and medium-scale enterprises, traditional knowledge, geographical indications, biodiversity and genetic resources. Shown in photo with Cristobal are (from left): Niclas Morey, Director of the EC-ASEAN Intellectual Property Rights Cooperation Programme II (ECAP II); Rowena Paguio, Head of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Singapore Office; and Liew Woon Yin, Director General of the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS).