Underscoring the importance of intellectual property (IP) in advancing innovation, trade, and economic growth, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), in collaboration with the Bureau of International Trade Relations of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), recently hosted the forum “The Intersection of WTO-TRIPS and WIPO: Making Intellectual Property an Enabler for Growth and Innovation.” The forum discussed how intellectual property underpins the innovation ecosystem and fosters national development and global integration.

The main speakers were DTI Undersecretary Allan B. Gepty and BITR Director Marie Sherylyn D. Aquia. On the part of IPOPHL, Acting Director General Atty. Nathaniel S. Arevalo, Deputy Director General Atty. Ann Claire Credo-Cabochan, and Atty. Ednalyn R. Saron (Atty IV, OIC-PRIA) set the tone with remarks emphasizing the need to align the Philippines’ IP policies with emerging trends and developments in the global economy. A presentation on the National IP Strategy, which outlined the country’s roadmap for strengthening IP protection, enforcement, and utilization highlighted IP as not only a legal construct but also a strategic tool that supports competitiveness, creativity, and inclusive growth in an innovation-driven economy.

As a precursor to the main topic, a presentation was made on the Intersection between the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), explaining how trade rules and IP systems work together to promote free and fair trade, empower MSMEs and enable innovation. The session emphasized the importance of balancing international trade commitments with effective IP protection. A video presentation showcasing IPOPHL’s 2025 accomplishments further demonstrated ongoing efforts to strengthen the Philippine IP ecosystem.

Addressing current and emerging issues impacting IP and trade, an insightful presentation by Undersecretary Gepty on global trends such as digital transformation, artificial intelligence, sustainability, and regional cooperation and how these developments present both challenges and opportunities for refining IP and trade policies to keep pace with technological and economic shifts was a fitting keynote to the forum.

A timely session on international trade engagements under the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairmanship highlighted the country’s active participation in international treaties and free trade agreements. Director Aquia emphasized how regional cooperation supports trade integration, economic resilience, and shared growth among ASEAN member states, particularly as the Philippines prepares for its 2026 ASEAN Chairship.

The forum concluded with an open discussion and synthesis of key takeaways. As the Philippines embarks on its ASEAN Chairship journey, IPOPHL reaffirmed its commitment to harnessing IP as a catalyst for innovation, empowering MSMEs and the creative industries, and strengthening ASEAN’s economic architecture. Guided by the ASEAN hosting theme “Navigating Our Future, Together,” the event reinforced the importance of collaboration, strategic policy alignment, and shared responsibility in shaping a resilient and innovation-led future.