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By Paul Marvin Macasa
The Department of Science and Technology's Intellectual Property Management and Protection of Rights or Ownership against Violations and Encroachment (DOST-IMPROVE) Project recently concluded its third installment of capacity-building activity, the Intellectual Property Enforcement Masterclass. This collaborative effort with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) aimed to enhance participants' knowledge and skills in enforcing intellectual property (IP) rights. The five training sessions held both online and onsite, provided valuable insights into building an IP enforcement policy, identifying infringements, and executing effective enforcement procedures.
Day 1: Building an Intellectual Property Enforcement Policy in DOST
The opening day on June 8, 2023 commenced with a full-day online session, where participants delved into developing an IP enforcement policy tailored to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). The morning session focused on providing guidance on creating a comprehensive policy framework, while the afternoon session empowered participants to recognize IP infringements within their respective institutions.
Day 2: Equipping Participants with IP Infringement Case Preparation Skills
The second day on June 19, 2023 transitioned to an onsite training format at the IPOPHL Multi-purpose Hall. In the morning session, participants learned how to construct a strong case for IP infringement based on the perspective of IPOPHL. This segment equipped them with the knowledge required to gather evidence and present their case effectively before IPOPHL and the courts. The afternoon session focused on guiding participants step-by-step through the IP enforcement procedures at IPOPHL, including alternative dispute resolution methods.
Day 3: Navigating IP Enforcement Procedures and Best Practices
Continuing with the onsite training on June 29, 2023, participants immersed themselves into a full day of sessions at the IPOPHL Multi-purpose Hall. The morning session provided an in-depth exploration of the remaining IP enforcement procedures before IPOPHL and the courts. Participants gained valuable insights into filing infringement complaints with the Regional Trial Court (RTC) and obtaining search warrants for civil and criminal cases. In the afternoon session, attention shifted to IP enforcement strategies and best practices, emphasizing the importance of establishing IP audit and monitoring procedures to identify and prevent infringement proactively.
Day 4: Implementing IP Audit and Monitoring Procedures
In this half-day online session on July 6, 2023, participants learned how to establish and implement IP audit and monitoring procedures within their institutions. The morning session highlighted the significance of these procedures in effectively identifying and preventing IP infringement.
Day 5: Workshop on Drafting IP Enforcement Policy – Presentation and Critiquing
The final session of the DOST-IMPROVE IP Enforcement Masterclass on July 13, 2023, took the form of a half-day online workshop. Participants had the opportunity to showcase their drafted IP enforcement policies and receive constructive feedback. This concluding session encouraged collaboration and ensured that participants left the masterclass with enhanced skills and knowledge in IP protection.
The DOST-IMPROVE IP Enforcement Masterclass, held in collaboration with IPOPHL, successfully equipped participants with the necessary expertise and tools to strengthen intellectual property protection. Through an engaging series of training sessions, both online and onsite, participants learned how to develop an IP enforcement policy, identify infringements, navigate enforcement procedures, and implement best practices. The masterclass was crucial in empowering individuals and institutions to proactively safeguard their intellectual property rights, contributing to a more robust and innovative ecosystem in the Philippines.
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By Sharah Ibrahim
The Philippines is a country prone to frequent natural calamities. In 2022, the country topped the World Risk Report with a 46.82 world risk index. On average, 20 storms and typhoons enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility each year, with about 8 or 9 of them crossing the Philippines. Moreover, according to PHIVOLCS, earthquakes are a common occurrence, with an average of 100-150 earthquakes hitting the country every year. The country is also home to 24 active volcanoes, with Mayon, Taal, and Pinatubo being some of the most notorious. 100 to 150 earthquakes. These figures are not mere statistics; they are a reality that millions of Filipinos live with every day.
Destructive natural disasters like Typhoon Ondoy in 2009, the Bohol Earthquake in the same year, and Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) in 2013 struck the Philippines. Numerous people were impacted by these events and hundreds of lives were lost. Despite previous warnings, a constant feature in these disasters was the seeming lack of knowledge and preparation. Ondoy's sudden and heavy rains caused unanticipated flooding that trapped several people inside their homes.
Similarly, the Bohol Earthquake caught the locals off guard due to inadequate infrastructure to handle the quake's magnitude. On the other hand, due to misinterpreted storm surge warnings, Typhoon Haiyan, one of the most powerful tropical cyclones in recorded history, caused confusion and led many people to minimize the threat it posed.
These tragedies have led to a reevaluation of disaster preparedness and response in the Philippines. The lessons learned emphasize the importance of understanding warnings, taking timely precautions, and having coordinated efforts between government agencies and communities.
HANDA Pilipinas: A Beacon of Hope
Natural calamities cannot be avoided, but their impact can be mitigated with awareness and preparedness. In line with this, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has relaunched its initiative called "HANDA Pilipinas," showcasing local inventions that address disasters. The exhibited technologies include flood barriers, early warning systems, earthquake-resistant structures, hazard maps available on mobile apps, unsinkable boats, mobile homes, and biomedical devices developed by local scientists who have come up with solutions for disasters and calamities. This expo serves as a platform to help these local scientists market their inventions and innovations, making their valuable contributions more accessible to those in need.
The exhibit makes its comeback after a hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to DOST Secretary Renato Solidum, Jr.. HANDA Pilipinas aims to prepare communities and barangays through science and technology. It's a showcase to engage local government units, private businesses, and other agencies, emphasizing Filipino-made technologies to minimize the effects of calamities in the country.
The importance of Handa Pilipinas extends beyond technological innovation. It's about fostering a culture of preparedness, where every Filipino understands the risks and takes proactive steps to mitigate them. It's about building resilient communities that can withstand the forces of nature and bounce back stronger. It's about turning complacency into action, ignorance into awareness, and vulnerability into strength.
HANDA Pilipinas is more than an initiative; it's a movement towards a stronger, more resilient Philippines. The first leg of the Handa Pilipinas exhibition will be held at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, with a focus on urban risk. Separate events will be mounted in Cagayan de Oro and Tacloban City, the latter in time for the anniversary of Super Typhoon Yolanda.
It's about embracing innovation, fostering education, and building a nation that stands strong in the face of adversity. Join Handa Pilipinas. Be part of the solution. Because when it comes to natural calamities, it's not a question of if, but when. Let us embrace the spirit of HANDA Pilipinas and work together to build a resilient nation, prepared to face any challenge.
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