CatSU leads workshop to strengthen support for Catanduanes abaca industry through Collective Mark application
Abaca Technology and Innovations CenterThe CatSU Abaca
Technology and Innovation Center (ATIC), under the leadership of its Director,
Prof. Abelisa D. Evangelista, conducted a seminar cum-writeshop on the
application of Collective Mark of Abaca Fiber in the university accreditation
room on March 22, 2023, to increase support for the province's abaca industry.
The Department of
Trade and Industry (DTI), Provincial Local Government of Catanduanes,
Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA), Department of
Science and Technology (DOST), and the Intellectual Property Office of the
Philippines (IPOPHL) collaborated to organize the workshop.
The event served as
an information drive and a writeshop for the stakeholders of the abaca industry
in Catanduanes, particularly the members of Catanduanes Abaca Industry
Development Council (CAIDC), where CatSU is an active member.
Prof. Evangelista
stressed that the Origin-Based Branding of Catanduanes Goods and Services was
critical in strengthening the support to the province's abaca industry.
"We are here
to encourage and enhance the competitiveness of our abaca farmers, traders,
processors, government and non-government agencies, researchers, the academe,
and other stakeholders," Prof. Evangelista said.
The workshop began
with an introduction to the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines by
Mr. Rolan O. Leaño. Succeeding topics included the Importance and Benefits of
Protecting Geographical Indications and Collective marks, and Developing a
Geographical Indication & Collective Mark: Next Steps, presented by Atty.
Joan Janneth M. Estremadura and Ms. Danica M. Muyargas, respectively, of the
Bureau of Trademarks.
The Director hopes
that this significant progress will attract more investors to provide more
employment opportunities and sustain the demand and productivity of the
province's abaca industry. The workshop also covered salient features of
Geographical Indications and Regulations.
A day prior to this
event, the group visited an abaca farm in San Roque, Bato, to observe the
unique farming management and practices of abaca in the island, in relation to
the application of the Collective Mark of Abaca Fiber. IPOPHL Consultant Engr.
Nino Angelo Torre facilitated the initiatives of the CatSU-ATIC, led by CatSU
President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, through the Catanduanes Abaca Industry
Development Council (CAIDC) headed by Gov. Joseph C. Cua.
The preliminary
activities of the farm visit were supported by CatSU Vice President for
Research, Extension, and Production Affairs (REPA), Dr. Ramon Felipe A.
Sarmiento, Assistant Vice President REPA, Dr. Kristian Q. Aldea, and CatSU-ATIC
Faculty-in-Charge Engr. Jhomann U. Socito.
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