Ateneo Chemistry Olympiad Hosts Orientation Seminar on Geographical Indications in partnership with AIPO and IPOPHL

On January 24, 2026, the Ateneo Chemistry Olympiad (AChO) 2026, in partnership with the Ateneo Intellectual Property Office (AIPO) and the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), hosted an Orientation Seminar on Geographical Indications (GI). Aligned with the theme Persisting Beyond Half Lives, the seminar was held via Zoom and streamed live on the AChO Facebook page. The webinar, which is a key component of AChO 2026, sought to deepen the appreciation for chemistry among Filipino youth while highlighting the connection between science, culture, and national identity.

Image: Grabbed from the official Facebook page of the Ateneo Chemistry Olympiad

As part of the collaboration with IPOPHL, AIPO helped facilitate the seminar and supported guest speaker, Mr Marlo Cadag, IP Rights Specialist IV from IPOPHL. Mr Cadag provided attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the GI, elaborating on how GI protection helps preserve the cultural and scientific value of Filipino products linked to specific geographical locations.

The seminar was attended by AChO participants from different schools nationwide. These Grades 9–12 students, all passionate about chemistry and its intersection with culture, were guided through the benefits and process of the GI registration. This seminar was especially relevant as the participants were preparing to engage in the GI Proposal Defense competition, a key component of the AChO event.

Image sourced from the speaker’s slide: This photo illustrates the key distinctions between Geographical Indications (GI) and Collective Marks, highlighting their unique roles in protecting regional products and the collective identity of producers.

Image sourced from the speaker’s slide: The Guimaras Mangoes, a proud product of the Guimaras Mango Growers and Producers Development Cooperative (GMGPD), are protected under the Geographical Indication (GI) system. The GI label ensures the authenticity of this unique product, linking it to the distinct qualities of the Guimaras region.

The AChO 2026 event, with its focus on promoting chemistry's connection to national identity, highlights the importance of initiatives like the GI seminar. By offering this session, AIPO contributed to the growth of the next generation of young innovators and IP advocates, helping them understand the value of protecting and promoting indigenous products through Geographical Indications.

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If you have questions about IP in general, please don't hesitate to email us at aipo@ateneo.edu. To learn more about our office and our services, visit our website at https://aipo.ateneo.edu. You may also check out our Facebook and LinkedIn pages for the latest updates and announcements.

Please also visit the IPOPHL website for the list of registered geographical indications and their registration process.