The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) has partnered with the Intellectual Property (IP) Collegium to host the seminar, “Matching Intellectual Property (IP) and Technology with Environmental Challenges in Agri-Aqua,” in Los Baños, Laguna. The collaboration emphasized the significance of IP and technology transfer in bringing solutions for the agriculture and aquatic (agri-aqua) sectors.
DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director Reynaldo V. Ebora emphasized the significance of technology transfer in addressing the pressing challenges faced by the Philippine agricultural sector.
The seminar brought together experts and stakeholders to explore the relationship among IP, technology, and the agri-aqua sectors. The topics discussed were: synecoculture, marine pollution and waste management, and matching technology to environmental challenges.
Sony Group Corporation’s IP Analyst, Ms. Naomi Shoji, talked about Sony’s commitment to sustainability. “Sony has been focusing on material sustainability, technology for sustainability, and community contribution,” Shoji said. She also highlighted several of Sony’s sustainability initiatives, including production of eco-friendly products, development of hearing aids, and environmental restoration projects.
RPX Asia Corporation’s Senior Business Development Advisor Yuichi Kawamura, discussed marine pollution and waste management, where he presented a collaborative project between the Japanese Intellectual Property Association (JIPA) and the University of West Indies (UWI) based in the Caribbean. The project aims to develop sustainable solutions for plastic waste management including incineration, recycling, and bio-based alternatives.
Meanwhile, Graymatics’ Business Development Lead, Ms. Rahab Wangui Mureithi, talked about technology transfer in Kenya and updates from IP Collegium officers, such as: advanced solutions for water purification, real-time monitoring, and efficient resource management targeted at improving water availability and quality. She also emphasized the importance of collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders in developing and implementing effective strategies to address these challenges.
DOST-PCAARRD Deputy Executive Director for Research and Development (RD) Juanito T. Batalon thanked the IP Collegium delegates for sharing their expertise and encouraged everyone to remain dedicated to exploring and practicing science and technology (S&T) and IP-related ventures.
The seminar brought together 53 participants from Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubators (ATBI) and their incubatees, Intellectual Property and Technology Business Management (IPTBM) Offices of the Laguna State Polytechnic University (LSPU), Cavite State University (CvSU), and the Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI). Farmer groups such as the Association of Safe Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Los Baños, Barangay Bucal Vegetable Planters Association, and the Majayjay Organic Farmers Association also took part in the event.
DOST-PCAARRD continuously collaborates with various agencies and organizations towards successful partnerships in agri-aqua-related technology transfer initiatives.
