IPOPHL strengthens compliance with the Data Privacy Law

June 10, 2025

Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) Director General Brigitte M. da Costa-Villaluz appointed a new Data Protection Officer (DPO), including Compliance Officers for Privacy (COP), in all bureaus and units at the IPOPHL central office and satellite offices, emphasizing its commitment in protecting personal information and data privacy of IPOPHL stakeholders and employees in compliance with Data Privacy Act of 2012.

The IPOPHL also conducted a Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) for a new internal data processing system called “KAWANI” (Key Access for Workforce Administration and Networked Information), ahead of its deployment. 

KAWANI is an integrated and customized system designed to support both the strategic and operational needs of IPOPHL.  It aims to enhance the efficiency of services provided by the Human Resource Development and Management Division (HRMDD). As an online platform, KAWANI administers and maintains personnel data and records of IPOPHL officials and employees. It automates core human resource processes such as recruitment, employee recordkeeping, time and attendance monitoring, payroll processing, leave management, learning and development, and performance management. 

The PIA serves as a tool for identifying and evaluating potential privacy risks in processes, systems, programs or technologies that handle personal data. It involves stakeholder consultation and supports the implementation of necessary safeguards to mitigate privacy risks. Conducting the PIA for KAWANI is in line with the requirements of the Data Privacy Act of 2012, specifically under the compliance pillar related to privacy impact assessments.

The PIA workshop was led by IPOPHL’s DPO and Documentation, Information and Technology Transfer Bureau Assistant Director Chamlette D. Garcia and facilitated by the COP of the Management Information Service (MIS) Bureau – Infrastructure and Cybersecurity Mark Jover Estadilla. 

The workshop was attended by Financial Management and Administrative Service Bureau Assistant Director Ma. Lea Criselda S.J. Anolin, MIS Bureau Officer-in-Charge Assistant Director Restituto E. Maligaya, Jr.; members of the DPO’s Core Team; the HRMDD’s KAWANI Core Team; and representatives from the system’s service provider, Doña Alejandra, Inc.