The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) has welcomed Atty. Teodoro C. Pascua as its new Director General, following his appointment by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., bringing back a seasoned intellectual property (IP) and policy official to guide the agency’s next chapter.  

Pascua brings over 15 years of executive public service experience to the role, having previously served as Deputy Director General at the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) from 2010 to 2016 and as Undersecretary for Consumer Protection at DTI’s Consumer Protection Group (CPG) from 2016 to 2018. 

Prior to this, he was engaged in law practice at Yulo Aliling Pascua & Zuñiga Law Offices, where he had returned as a partner following his departure from public office. He was also Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Wesleyan University – Philippines in Cabanatuan City. 

The appointment marks a homecoming for Pascua, who served in the agency as Deputy Director General for Policy and Management Services from 2018 to 2022. Pascua oversaw three bureaus at IPOPHL, namely the Documentation, Information and Technology Transfer Bureau (DITTB), the Management Information Service (MIS) and the Financial Management and Administrative Service (FMAS). He also supervised the IP Academy, Policy and International Affairs Division and IP Enforcement Office. 

Pascua’s return signals a steady and forward-looking chapter for IPOPHL, bringing with him deep institutional knowledge of the office’s work. His leadership is expected to reinforce the agency’s commitment to strengthening IP protection, advancing innovation and enhancing services for stakeholders across the Philippines. 

“I am honored to come back home to IPOPHL and work alongside the dedicated men and women who are advancing innovation and creativity in the country. This we do at a critical juncture when products of the mind have been increasingly shaping our economy. We will build on the agency’s strong foundation to ensure that IP is responsive, inclusive and supportive of the Filipino dream,” DG Pascua said.  

Outgoing Acting Director General (ADG) Nathaniel S. Arevalo, who will return as Deputy Director General, welcomed Pascua back to the IPOPHL community, remarking that his deep understanding of the agency and proven leadership in public service place him in a strong position to build on its gains and steer IPOPHL toward even greater impact. 

“I am confident that under his guidance, the agency will continue to advance innovation and strengthen IP protection for all Filipinos,” ADG Arevalo said. # # # (Rawl Maliwat, Communications & Marketing Writer)