The Department of Agriculture (DA) strengthened its partnership with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), boosting the premium branding of agriculture and fisheries products from the Philippines.

This comes after the two agencies renewed their ties under a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Wednesday, updating the previous agreement in 2018 and placing geographical indications (GIs).

In a statement, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the move will help expand market opportunities and advance the premium value of Philippine agri-fishery exports.

“For generations, our farmers, fisherfolk and indigenous communities have cultivated products whose quality and identity are deeply rooted in their places of origin,” he said.

The DA seeks to “elevate” the value of these local products into premium global brands by setting up GI protection.

“Through geographical indications, we can protect these unique products, preserve their authenticity, enhance consumer confidence, and create greater opportunities for our farming and fishing communities,” Tiu Laurel said.

In particular, the agency wants to reach a similar level of world-class recognition for international brands like Think Champagne from France, Scotch Whisky from Scotland, Parmigiano Reggiano from Italy, or Kobe beef from Japan, which pose premium prices due to origin, quality and heritage.

Under the MOU, a joint technical working group will develop a national GI roadmap.

Among the priority products for GI protection are Cordillera Heirloom Rice, Davao Pomelo, Zambales Mangoes, Davao Cacao, Davao Durian, Bonuan Bangus, Quezon Lambanog, Camarines Norte Queen Pineapple and Oriental Mindoro Calamansi.

To date, the application for the GI registration of Bohol Ubi Kinampay filed with IPOPHL marked a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to advance protection for origin-based products.

During his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. cited ube as one of the Philippines’ products with a competitive export potential.

He also mentioned other commodities and urged for greater value addition in the country’s agricultural products.

Besides the GI roadmap, the DA-IPOPHL partnership will also boost support in producer organizations, enhance certification and traceability systems, and help local products penetrate higher-value domestic and export markets. (PNA)