The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has designated Nathaniel S. Arevalo, deputy director general for policy, legal and external relations, as acting director general of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), following the sudden resignation of IPOPHL chief Brigitte M. da Costa-Villaluz.
Arevalo’s appointment was made official through Department Order 25-160 signed Wednesday, Sept. 24, by DTI secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque.
The designation took effect immediately after Pres. Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. accepted Da Costa-Villaluz’s courtesy resignation on Sept. 19.
Da Costa-Villaluz Villaluz stayed in her post for about nine months — from January 21 to September 19.
She oversaw IPOPHL during a period of rapid growth in intellectual property filings as businesses and creators increasingly sought protection for their innovations, trademarks, and creative works.
Her resignation comes amid broader changes in the administration’s approach to leadership in key government agencies.
IPOPHL, an attached unit of the DTI, serves as the country’s national intellectual property office tasked with registering and protecting patents, trademarks, copyrights, and other forms of intellectual property.
It also plays a central role in enforcing intellectual property rights and in promoting innovation and creativity as drivers of economic growth.
As acting director general, Arevalo has been directed to oversee all functions, activities, and operations of IPOPHL, including the issuance of rules and regulations necessary to carry out its mandate.
He will also be responsible for sustaining programs aimed at strengthening IP protection, supporting the creative economy, and enhancing the Philippines’ participation in the global intellectual property system.
Arevalo assured stakeholders that IPOPHL’s services will continue without disruption despite the leadership change.
“We will continue to support our stakeholders in protecting their intellectual property while sustaining the momentum of ongoing programs and reforms that boost innovation and creativity,” Arevalo said. “The transition in leadership will not affect our progress and our commitment to efficient and reliable public service.”
