Written by Beverly Laltoog
Ms. Beverly B. Laltoog, a faculty member from the School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts, was recently honored as the Best Oral Paper Presenter at the 6th Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) – De La Salle University (DLSU) Intellectual Property and Innovation Research Conference. This recognition highlights the significant impact of her research, which contributes meaningfully to the ongoing discourse on intellectual property, innovation, and their intersection with broader societal and cultural issues. In particular, her work focuses on safeguarding traditional expressions through genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge, solidifying her as a leading voice in this critical area of study.
This achievement builds upon Ms. Laltoog’s earlier recognition as the Best Paper Presenter at the 4th IPOPHL-DLSU Intellectual Property and Innovation Research Conference in May 2023, reinforcing her unwavering commitment to advancing the field of intellectual property scholarship and practice
The IPOPHL-DLSU conference is a premier interdisciplinary platform, bringing together researchers, practitioners, and educators to engage in meaningful dialogue on the latest innovations, trends, challenges, and solutions in intellectual property. This year’s theme, “Haraya: The Symphony of Creativity and IP,” underscores the dynamic relationship between creativity, innovation, and intellectual property, celebrating the transformative power of ideas in shaping the future of society.
In collaboration with De La Salle University, IPOPHL hosted the event, inviting submissions from a diverse group of intellectuals, including scientists, researchers, IP professionals, educators, and students. The conference featured 50 carefully selected oral and poster presentations from over 200 submissions, showcasing cutting-edge research that explores the role of intellectual property in shaping industries, policies, and global innovation.
The conference covered a wide range of pressing themes, including:
- Safeguarding Creative Communities through Innovation, Technology, and IP
- Fostering Imagination and Innovation in Music and Creative Arts Education
- Empowering Creatives: IP as a Catalyst for Sustainable Growth
- Protecting Cultural Heritage and Inspiring Diversity through IP and Technology
- The Creative Economy: Leveraging IP to Drive Innovation and Economic Growth
- Bridging Gaps: Addressing Inequalities in the Creative Sector through IP and Technology
- Other Topics Related to Innovation, Technology, and IP
Ms. Laltoog presented her research under the theme “Protecting Cultural Heritage and Inspiring Diversity through IP and Technology.” In her paper, she explores the vital need to safeguard cultural heritage and preserve traditional knowledge amidst the rapid pace of digitalization. She argues that intellectual property (IP) can serve as a crucial tool in protecting cultural expressions from exploitation, while simultaneously fostering inclusivity and promoting diversity.
Ms. Laltoog advocates for a balanced approach to intellectual property law—one that respects the rights of indigenous communities and cultural custodians, while also encouraging innovation and knowledge sharing. She likewise highlights the transformative role of emerging technologies in both challenging and enriching traditional cultural practices, positioning these technologies as key tools for the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage in the digital age.
