IP Foundation Revives “Bayanihan” (Volunteerism) and Recognizes Intellectual Property Rights

Manila, Philippines, October 5, 2007 – IP Foundation pledged to make more lives meaningful through volunteerism and recognition of intellectual property rights in implementing its projects on Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and Education.

The Foundation inked an agreement with Mapua engaging students to create architectural/ interior designs for “public life labs” and “community-based ICT enterprises”. As supporter of right to creations and inventions, the IP Foundation agreed to retain the intellectual property rights over the designs with students / faculty involved in the extension work.

To start with, IP Foundation and Mapua launched the Future Builders Award for interior designs of observation-test project sites in Silang, Cavite, and Solano, Nueva Vizcaya.

“The present education and economic status of the Filipino youth need purposive actions,” said Marco Y. Santos, President and Chairperson of the IP Foundation. He cited the Department of Education’s data on cohort survival and completion rates. Both in elementary and high school levels, less than 60% of enrollees at the beginning grade or year reached the final grade, and complete/finish the level in accordance with the required number of years of study.

“We would like to participate in addressing low cohort survival and completion rates,” said Santos. He emphasized that the Foundation would like to work in line with the government’s goal of delivering quality education that is accessible to all through the use of appropriate information and communication technologies. In addition, Santos pointed out that the Foundation would focus on poor areas that have poverty incidence above the national average of 30%.

Asked about the next steps, Santos said, “The IP Foundation has a long way to go. We are committed to make a difference in the lives of the Filipino youth and their families. We will establish “public life labs” and “community-based ICT enterprises” through Bayanihan and recognition of intellectual property rights in our partnerships.”

For initial core project areas, IP Foundation has pre-selected the following: Doroluman, Arakan, North Cotabato; Batasan, Makilala, Cotabato; Catubig, Northern Samar; and San Francisco, Southern Leyte. IP Foundation will determine feasibility of implementing ICT and Education projects in those areas and expects projects’ initiation first quarter of 2008.