Cultivating Collaboration in the Philippines

The WIPO Singapore Office (WSO) undertook a productive mission to Manila in the Philippines that included meetings with a range of local IP and business stakeholders. The mission represented a re-commencement of in-person meetings with Member States in the ASEAN region by the WSO since the pandemic.

From left to right: Mr. Louie Andrew C. Calvario, Director General Atty. Rowell S. Barba, Mr. Peter Willimott, and Atty. Lolibeth R. Medrano

During the mission, Officer-in-charge of the WSO, Mr. Peter Willimott, had the great honor to meet with the IP Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC), and the IP Association of the Philippines (IPAP).

At IPOPHL, Mr. Willimott had the pleasure to spend time with Director General Atty. Rowell S. Barba and his team. During his visit to the office he also met with a variety of line areas of IPOPHL and was deeply impressed with the range of programs and initiatives they are implementing - many of which complement WIPO’s focus on bringing IP to SMEs, women and youth. As a result there were a number of areas identified for deeper cooperation and collaboration between WIPO and IPOPHL.

Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry President, Mr. George T. Barcelon (centre) with other PCCI staff and Mr. Peter Willimott

The WIPO Singapore Office and PCCI, have a long history of organizing joint events to help raise the levels of IP awareness and understanding amongst Filipino SMEs. And this will continue thanks to the strong commitment made by PCCI President, Mr. George T. Barcelon during the meeting with Mr. Willimott.

The PTTC has already greatly helped WIPO by linking WIPO Academy Courses with the ASEAN SME Academy to help raise the IP skills of SMEs in the region. The WSO was pleased to meet with Executive Director, Ms. Nelly Nita N. Dillera and learn about the impactful programs PTTC are running for Filipino exporters and women.

President of the IP Association of the Philippines, Atty Alex Ferdinand S. Fider, and WSO Officer-in-charge, Mr. Peter Willimott

Of course, every IP environment needs talented and committed IP professionals, and in this regard, Mr. Willimott was pleased to once again meet the President of IPAP, Mr. Alex Ferdinand S. Fider. The association is very much ready to support WIPO efforts in the Philippines.

As is typical of any visit to the Philippines, Mr. Willimott greatly appreciated the genuine warmth and welcome he received by all the organizations he met with.