IPOPHL, EUIPO lead regional push in stronger GI protection for rural development at first ASEAN GI Forum
May 13, 2026
The Philippines is strengthening its push to use geographical indications (GIs) as tools for rural development, cultural preservation and tourism growth, emphasizing the need to enhance GI regimes across the region at the first-ever ASEAN GI Forum and Exhibition held in Iloilo City.
Building on the momentum of IPOPHL’s earlier national GI fora, the 2026 three-day forum expands to a regional edition, gathering representatives from ASEAN member states, partners from the European Union and international organizations, relevant Philippine government agencies and local producers together.
“A GI is, at its core, a story, of a place, a people, and a product that could only have come from them. This forum is where those stories meet,” said IPOPHL Director General Teodoro C. Pascua, noting Western Visayas to be a fitting venue, being home to the first two registered Philippine Gis, Guimaras Mangoes and Aklan Piña.
“Gathering ASEAN member states, international organizations and development partners, the event highlights growing regional efforts to strengthen geographical indication systems across ASEAN and the need to turn the growing recognition of GIs into long-term opportunities for producers and communities,” he added.
Opening-day discussions focused on the Philippine GI system, sustainability and the EU’s experience in using GIs to support cultural heritage and rural development. Experts from the EU, France and Malaysia also shared best practices on GI governance, traceability and quality assurance.
The first day also launched an exhibition and cultural demonstrations showcasing GI products and traditions. Designed and mounted in collaboration with the Design Center of the Philippines (DCP), the exhibition featured a curated showcase of GI products from the Philippines, ASEAN member states and the EU.
On May 14, ASEAN member states will exchange best practices on GI development, enforcement and support for producers, while regional stakeholders will discuss market monitoring, consumer protection and cross-border cooperation against GI misuse.
The event will conclude on May 15 with a study visit to Guimaras, where delegates will observe how GI development can help promote local identity, tourism and community-based enterprise.
IPOPHL Deputy Director General Nathaniel S. Arevalo underscored the potential impact of deepening regional cooperation and gaining best practices in promoting GI in the livelihoods of Filipino producers.
“Through GIs, traditional products become premium market assets that strengthen regional identity, boost market competitiveness and enhance incomes,” he said. “This forum will provide us with vital insights on how we can continue to develop and strengthen our national GI system, ensuring more effective protection and improved governance, and in turn facilitating more opportunities for Filipino producers to access higher-value markets at home and abroad.”
The forum is organized by IPOPHL in partnership with SCOPE IPR, a project implemented by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) funded by the European Union.
The forum is also supported by Agence Française de Développement (AFD) through its technical assistance initiative, “Promoting Geographical Indications in the Philippines,” focused on GIs’ contribution to strengthening climate resilience through sustainable production systems.In the Philippines, GIs have been recognized under the IP Code since 1997, but the country formally established its GI registration system only in 2022 through IPOPHL’s GI regulations. To date, IPOPHL has registered four Philippine GIs: Guimaras Mangoes; Aklan Piña; Albuquerque Asin Tibuok; and T’nalak Tau Sebu.