ILOILO CITY — The Philippines has convened the first Asean Regional Geographical Indications (GI) Forum and Exhibition, highlighting the role of GIs in rural development, cultural preservation, and tourism.
The three-day event, which opened on May 13, brings together Asean member states, the European Union, international organizations, government agencies, and local producers.
Geographical indications are labels that link products to their place of origin, protecting traditional knowledge and boosting market value.
The Philippines formally established its GI registration system in 2022 and has since registered four products: Guimaras Mangoes, Aklan Piña, Alburquerque Asin Tibuok, and T’nalak Tau Sebu.
“A GI is, at its core, a story, of a place, a people, and a product that could only have come from them. This forum is where those stories meet,” said IPOPHL director general Teodoro C. Pascua, noting that Western Visayas is a fitting venue as home to the country’s first two registered GIs.
The forum’s theme, “SynerGI: Building Alliances for Sustainable GI Development,” underscores regional cooperation in strengthening GI systems. Sessions cover sustainability, enforcement, market monitoring, and consumer protection, while an exhibition curated by the Design Center of the Philippines showcases GI products from Asean and the EU.
IPOPHL deputy director general Nathaniel S. Arevalo emphasized the economic potential of GIs: “Through GIs, traditional products become premium market assets that strengthen regional identity, boost market competitiveness and enhance incomes.”
The event concludes with a study visit to Guimaras, where delegates will see firsthand how GI recognition supports local identity, tourism, and community-based enterprise.
