The Philippines is stepping up efforts to transform its best-known agri-fishery products into premium global brands, with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) renewing a partnership that aims to give farmers and fisherfolk greater pricing power, expand domestic market opportunities and strengthen the country’s agri-fishery exports.

The agencies on Wednesday (July 29) signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that updates their 2018 agreement and places geographical indications (GIs) at the heart of the Marcos administration’s push to build a more competitive, value-added and export-oriented agri-fishery sector.

The DA aims to elevate Philippine products to achieve the same level of global recognition.

Priority products identified for GI protection include Cordillera Heirloom Rice, Davao Pomelo, Zambales Mangoes, Davao Cacao, Davao Durian, Bonuan Bangus, Quezon Lambanog, Camarines Norte Queen Pineapple, and Oriental Mindoro Calamansi. The application for the GI registration of Bohol Ubi Kinampay has already been filed with IPOPHL, marking another significant milestone in the country’s efforts to protect and promote origin-based products.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said protecting products linked to their place of origin creates economic opportunities that extend well beyond intellectual property. ### (Photos by Darrel Gultia, DA-OSEC Comms)