Intramuros Learning Sessions episode no. 22

Trademarking Philippine Heritage In Pursuit of Sui Generis Geographical Indications Series 
Part 2Protecting Agricultural Produce



Overview

Geographical Indications (GI) and Collective Marks (CM) are two forms of government issued and protected trademarks offering varying levels of protection for unique or heirloom agricultural produce. In turn, the stakeholders are expected to ensure consistency, traceability, and transparency within the supply chain. This presentation examines the role of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHIL) in helping farmers and cooperatives transition from farming for survival, to a more equitable supply chain. This webinar focuses on the following products: Guinmaras Mango, Davao Pomelo, Bicol Pili nuts, Kalinga Specialty Coffee, and Cordillera Heirloom Rice. Attention is paid to the relationship of GIs and CMs to tourism, community building, and national identity. These points are particularly pertinent at world heritage sites and other cultural landscapes that are entangled with food security issues in the Philippines.

This is the second part of the series Trademarking Philippine Heritage In Pursuit of Sui Generis Geographical Indications.


  • Guest speaker: Patrick Belisario
  • Panel discussant: Fernando Zialcita, Ph.D.
  • Moderator: Estela Duque

About the Speaker: Patrick Belisario

Patrick Belisario is a registered Professional Agricultural Engineer since 1995. He has a BS in Agricultural Engineering from Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan and a Master in Development Management from the Asian Institute of Management.

Patrick has extensive experience in NGO developing & implementing rural agri-enterprises, financing sustainable agri-enterprises. Among others, he also organized the Organic Certification Center of the Philippines, Virgin Coconut Oil Philippines.

He has 15 years experience as independent consultant, researcher & writer, international organic & fair trade inspector, organic grower group certification, geographical indication technical expert, industry development, micro entrepreneur – bean to bar chocolate manufacturer, among others.

About the Panel Discussant: Fernando Zialcita, Ph.D.

Prof. Dr. Fernando Nakpil-Zialcita has a M.A. in Philosophy from the Ateneo de Manila University, and a M.A. and Ph.D. in Anthropology from the University of Hawaii. •

He is presently a Professor Emeritus at the Ateneo de Manila University, and head of the university’s Cultural Heritage Program.

Though from Manila, much of his field research took place among farming communites in the Ilocos, Northern Luzon. Lately, however, he has shifted his focus to street research because of his interest in urban heritage and regeneration. Some of his books are: Philippine Ancestral Houses, Authentic Though not Exotic: Essays on Filipino Identity, and Quiapo Heart of Manila.

About the Guest Moderator: Estela Duque

Estela Duque is an architect, historian, social entrepreneur, certified chocolate taster, and chocolate competition judge in Europe.

In 2015 she founded Moulinet Chocolat Limited (UK) in order to introduce Philippine specialty cocoa to the world. She started in 2017 the only craft chocolate event of the Philippines, now called Intramuros Chocolate Festival. Geographic Indications for cacao in the Philippines is one of the channels for her advocacy in heritage conservation.


About the Intramuros Learning Sessions

The Intramuros Learning Sessions (ILS) is the educational webinar series of the Intramuros Administration (IA). The IA is an attached national government agency under the Department of Tourism. 

Topics are interdisciplinary and cover themes related to Intramuros and Manila studies, Philippine studies, as well as cultural heritage studies. Pursuant to IA’s charter, the ILS aims to contribute to the strengthening of the Filipino’s national identity and sense of belonging and pride.

For inquiries contact us at [email protected]


See Previous ILS Episode
Heroines of World War II
See Next ILS Episode
The 1905 Burnham Plan for Manila

Check out our previous ILS episodes here


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