In celebration of the Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW), the Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO) Davao Occidental spearheaded a specialized training on the Use of Trademark and Intellectual Property Protection at the newly launched Innovation Hub (iHub) in the Southern Philippines Agri-Business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST).
A member of the DOST XI Pool of Experts, Engr. Francis Louise C. Yap highlighted the importance of safeguarding creative works, innovations, and community products through proper trademark registration and intellectual property (IP) protection. He is also behind the successful approval of the application for Certificate of Registration for the Trademark of Datu Danwata Women’s Association (DDWA).
Engr. Yap is a Licensed Electronics Engineer and a dedicated technology transfer professional with extensive expertise in intellectual property (IP) management. He currently serves as the OIC Director of the Knowledge and Technology Transfer Division (KTTD) of the University of Southeastern Philippines.
Grassroots innovators from the DDWA, as well as SPAMAST researcher-innovators participated during the training. The training provided them with practical insights into how IP protection can empower local enterprises, promote fair competition, and ensure that communities benefit from their innovations.
This activity also marks the first capability-enhancement initiative through the iHub, providing a collaborative space for Davao Occidental innovators, researchers, and community groups to develop ideas and translate them into viable products and services—a proof of DOST XI’s dedication to strengthening local innovation ecosystems by capacitating grassroots innovators and researchers in the province.
