Minister Farserina A. Mohammad of the Ministry of Trade, Investments and Tourism (MTIT) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) paid a visit to the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) to discuss the strengthening of collaboration on intellectual property (IP) development in the Bangsamoro region. 

During the meeting, Minister Mohammad met with newly appointed IPOPHL Director General Atty. Teodoro C. Pascua, along with Deputy Directors General Atty. Ann Claire Credo‑Cabochan and Atty. Nathaniel S. Arevalo, including other IPOPHL officials. The discussions centered on shared priorities in promoting IP awareness and protection as key drivers of innovation, cultural preservation, and inclusive economic growth in BARMM. 

Minister Mohammad underscored the critical role of intellectual property in empowering local entrepreneurs, creative industries, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), particularly those grounded in indigenous knowledge, traditional crafts, and cultural expressions unique to the Bangsamoro. 

The proposed establishment of an IP Nexus/IP Help Desk in BARMM was also discussed. Once established, the IP Nexus/IP Help Desk is expected to provide easier access to IP services in the region, including the conduct of capacity building activities, assistance in the filing of IP applications, and support through the registration process. 

The meeting marked a major step toward advancing a strategic partnership between IPOPHL and BARMM‑MTIT. To institutionalize this collaboration, a Memorandum of Agreement is currently being prepared to formally solidify the partnership and ensure sustained cooperation in promoting and protecting intellectual property in the Bangsamoro region.