WIPO GREEN Acceleration Project Launches in the Philippines to Advance Sustainable Fisheries Technologies
San Fernando, Pampanga, June 3, 2026 – Key stakeholders from the fisheries sector gathered at The Orchid Gardens in San Fernando, Pampanga for the Inception Workshop of the WIPO GREEN Acceleration Project in the Philippines, an initiative aimed at mobilizing innovative technologies to address environmental and climate-related challenges in the fisheries sector.
The workshop was organized by Eco Innovation Consultancy Inc. (EICI) in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL). The event brought together representatives from national government agencies, academic institutions, local government units (LGUs), private sector organizations, and fisherfolk cooperatives and associations from across Region III.
The event formally opened with welcome remarks from Engr. Chamlette Garcia of IPOPHL, followed by messages of support from Mr. Ralphrant Atabay of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region III and Dr. Peter Oksen of WIPO. The speakers emphasized the importance of innovation, technology transfer, and multi-sectoral collaboration in addressing the challenges facing the fisheries sector while promoting sustainable development and climate resilience.
The workshop served as an introduction to the WIPO GREEN Acceleration Project in the Philippines, which seeks to facilitate meaningful connections between technology seekers and technology providers. Through the project, stakeholders can identify pressing needs in the fisheries sector and explore innovative solutions that advance environmental sustainability, increase productivity, and improve livelihoods for fisherfolk communities.
The morning session featured a panel discussion entitled “Addressing Technological Gap: Creating Innovative and Sustainable Technological Solutions to Combat Problems in the Fishery Sector.” Experts from various government agencies and academic institutions showcased technologies and initiatives designed to strengthen climate resilience and improve fisheries operations.
Panelists included Mr. Tyronne James J. Buico, MDP of the Department of Agriculture – National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI); Engr. Noemi L. Carpio of the Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering (BAFE); Engr. Glen D. Espeña of the DOST–Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC); and Dr. Karl Marx A. Quiazon of the Central Luzon State University – Freshwater Aquaculture Center (CLSU-FAC).
During the open forum, fisherfolk representatives, LGUs, and private-sector participants actively engaged the panelists by raising concerns and inquiries about aquaculture, capture fisheries, and post-harvest processing. The discussion provided an avenue for stakeholders to explore practical technological interventions that can address existing challenges in their communities.
In the afternoon, participants attended a second panel session entitled “Protecting Innovational Inventions: Promoting Technologies and Protecting Innovational Pride through Patents and Licensing.” The session highlighted the importance of intellectual property protection in encouraging innovation and technology commercialization.
The discussion featured Engr. Roi Vincent C. Perez of IPOPHL, Mr. Caezar Angelito E. Arceo of the DOST – Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI), and Atty. Ninna Joyce P. Delantar of Angara Abello Concepcion Regala & Cruz Law Offices & Intellectual Property Association of the Philippines (ACCRALAW & IPAP). The speakers provided valuable insights on patents, intellectual property rights, licensing opportunities, and the processes involved in protecting innovations and technologies. Participants from government agencies and the private sector also had the opportunity to seek clarification on intellectual property concerns and technology protection strategies.
A key highlight of the workshop was the Needs Mapping Activity, which brought together fisherfolk organizations, provincial and municipal LGUs, government agencies, and private sector representatives. Participants identified challenges and needs based on their experiences and observations across the fisheries subsectors of aquaculture, capture fisheries, and post-harvest processing.
Through collaborative discussions, participants mapped out critical issues affecting their respective sectors and proposed technologies, interventions, and support mechanisms that could help address these concerns. The activity also provided valuable information that will guide future matchmaking efforts between technology providers and technology seekers under the WIPO GREEN Acceleration Project.
Among the participating organizations were DOST-PCAARRD, Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA), BFAR-NIFTC, UP Diliman College of Arts and Sciences, UP Marine Science Institute, E-primate Inc., Genomar, Cawil AI Solutions, Ruel Aquaculture Trading, Provincial Agricultural and Fishery Councils, Provincial Agriculture Offices of Nueva Ecija, Bataan, and Tarlac, and Municipal Agriculture Offices from Hermosa (Bataan), Candelaria (Zambales), Iba (Zambales), San Antonio (Zambales), Malolos (Bulacan), Calumpit (Bulacan), and Sto. Tomas (Pampanga), along with representatives from their respective fisherfolk cooperatives and associations.
The successful conduct of the inception workshop marks an important milestone in advancing sustainable fisheries development in the Philippines. Through strengthened collaboration among government, academia, industry, and local communities, the WIPO GREEN Acceleration Project aims to accelerate the adoption of innovative technologies that address environmental challenges, enhance productivity, and support the long-term sustainability of the fisheries sector.
