The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) once again honored the country’s leading innovators at the 2026 Gawad Yamang Isip (GYI) Awards, shining the spotlight on intellectual property (IP) rights holders and champions whose contributions continue to shape and elevate the innovation landscape of the Philippines. 

Anchored on the theme “IP in Sports: Ready, Set, Innovate!” this year’s awards highlighted the dynamic intersection of IP and the sports sector, underscoring how IP protection fuels creativity, performance and industry growth. 

“IP is the engine that drives our athletes, innovators and industries to push beyond their limits,” said IPOPHL Director General Teodoro C. Pascua. “From the jerseys our athletes wear, to the technology that tracks their performance, to the brands that inspire millions of fans, every innovation tells a story of dedication and Filipino excellence.” 

Celebrating pioneers and frontrunners in sports innovation 

In line with this year’s theme, IPOPHL awarded outstanding individuals and enterprises that have harnessed the power of IP to drive bold ideas, transforming them into innovative, high-impact and commercially successful sports innovations that inspire progress and elevate the industry: 

• • Inventions – Dr. Ramon B. Gustilo 

Gustilo, a pioneer in trauma and reconstructive orthopedics, co-developed the globally used Gustilo-Anderson classification for open fractures. As founder of Orthopedic International Inc., he advanced affordable solutions like the patented Axis Knee Replacement System, expanding access to life-changing orthopedic procedures in the Philippines. 

• • Industrial Design – Marcelino C. Chua 

Chua established MCC Group of Companies, which positions itself as a one-stop sports and fitness solutions provider in the Philippines. SportsLab Inc. is a business unit/brand under the MCC Group with multiple industrial design registrations intended to enhance performance and support an active lifestyle of professional athletes or fitness enthusiasts. 

• • Copyright (Literary Works) – Quinito Henson 

Also known as “The Dean,” Henson is a pioneering sports journalist and columnist for The Philippine Star whose award-winning coverage and expert commentary have made him a cornerstone of Philippine sports media, promoting basketball and Olympics coverage internationally. 

• • Copyright (Artistic Works) – Josephino Mario J. de Guzman 

De Guzman is an action photographer whose striking images across motorsports, triathlons, running and swimming elevated Philippine sports visuals, capturing athletic excellence and inspiring enthusiasts locally and internationally. 

• • Trademark – Toby’s Sports 

A pioneer in sports retail in the Philippines, Toby’s Sports began as a small shop at Greenhills and grew into a nationwide chain with over 60 stores. on e-commerce platforms. Operated by Quorum International, Inc., it has secured multiple trademark registrations, reinforcing a strong and well-protected market presence.  

IP Champions 

IPOPHL recognized three distinguished individuals as IP champions for their contributions to advancing intellectual property and innovation in the Philippines: 

• • Former Senator Emmanuel D. Pacquiao Sr. for promoting the economic empowerment of Filipino athletes and creatives through the strategic use of intellectual property. By protecting his name, image, and achievements as IP assets, he has shown how sports excellence can be translated into sustainable economic opportunities. 

• • Department of Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Rhoel R. Aguda for his strong support for IP protection as a tool for safeguarding public sector innovations. His leadership has driven a proactive approach to securing IP for government-developed innovations and integrating it into national innovation policy. 

• • Atty. Rowel S. Barba for his leadership of IPOPHL from 2020 to 2024, where he strengthened IP systems and positioned IP as a key driver of innovation and competitiveness. His reforms expanded support for innovators and elevated the country’s innovation ecosystem amid the economic uncertainties brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Top filers, IP agents and media partners 

IPOPHL recognized the most prolific IP filers from the past year across key categories: 

• • Patents – Jonel A. Mawirat 

• • Utility Models – Cebu Technological University 

• • Industrial Design – Design Center of the Philippines 

• • Trademark – Quinta Care Inc. 

• • Copyright – Leyte Normal University 

• • Juana Make a Mark – Department of Trade and Industry, Cordillera Administrative Region 

• • Madrid Protocol – Avocadoria Food and Beverages Inc. 

Top-performing IP agents were also recognized for their contributions in strengthening the country’s intellectual property system through efficient, high-quality support in the filing, registration, and protection of IP rights: 

• • Patents – Spruson & Ferguson Philippines, Inc. 

• • Utility Model – Ray H. Malonjao 

• • Industrial Design – Adastra IP International, Inc. 

• • Trademark – AttyAid Solutions, Inc. 

In addition, IPOPHL recognized its media partners for their vital role in promoting public awareness and understanding of intellectual property and for helping amplify key IP initiatives and success stories across various platforms: 

• • Top IP News Publisher – The Manila Times 

• • Top IP Provincial News Publisher – Panay News 

• • Top IP News Reporter – Othel V. Ramos (Manila Standard) 

• • Distinguished IP Reporter Award – the late Alden M. Monzon 

Citations for IP partners and sports trailblazers 

Over the past year, IPOPHL recognized its staunch partners in advancing intellectual property through policy support, advocacy, enforcement and cross-sector collaboration: 

• • President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. for prioritizing stronger IP protection to drive innovation, digital transformation, and economic growth. 
  • Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque for championing stronger IP systems to fuel innovation, attract investments, and expand opportunities for Filipino talent. 
  • Congressman Maximo Y. Dalog, Jr. for his leadership in advancing IP-related legislation and advocating for the protection of Indigenous Peoples’ community intellectual property rights. 
  • Senator Lorna Regina B. Legarda for her enduring advocacy for cultural protection and the integration of intellectual property into national development policies. 
  • Greenhills Mall for its transformation toward IP compliance through sustained collaboration with IPOPHL to combat counterfeit trade and promote legitimate commerce. 
  • The National Committee on Intellectual Property Rights (NCIPR) for its crucial role in coordinating and strengthening IP enforcement and policy implementation across government agencies. 
  • The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) for supporting the integration of intellectual property in sports development and promoting innovation within the sector.

IPOPHL also lauded athletes who have exemplified excellence in their respective fields while leveraging their names, achievements, and personal brands as valuable intellectual property assets: 

• • Margielyn A. Didal (skateboarding) 

• • Alexandra M. Eala (tennis) 

• • June Mar S. Fajardo (basketball) 

• • Michael Christian Martinez (figure skating) 

• • Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo (weightlifting) 

• • Ernest John U. Obiena (pole vault) 

• • Annie Ramirez (jiu-jitsu) 

• • Pedro G. Taduran, Jr. (boxing) 

• • Carlos Edriel O. Yulo (gymnastics) 

• • Alyssa C. Valdez (volleyball) 

The annual awards night is the culminating event of the National Intellectual Property Month celebrated every April. # # # (Rawl Maliwat, Communications & Marketing Writer)