Championing roots and rights: Legarda hailed as Intellectual Property Defender

In celebration of National Intellectual Property Month, Senator Loren Legarda was honored with the Intellectual Property Champion Award during the Gawad Yamang Isip 2025 ceremonies organized by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) this 25 April 2025.

Recognized for her steadfast advocacy in protecting traditional knowledge, indigenous peoples’ rights, and Filipino creativity, Legarda was hailed as a defender of intellectual property and cultural heritage.

Legarda expressed her gratitude and reaffirmed her advocacy for indigenous communities:

“This recognition is, above all, a tribute to our Indigenous communities, whose voices, traditions, and creative expressions form the living soul of our national identity. I remain firmly committed to advancing the protection of our cultural heritage and to ensuring that our Indigenous peoples receive the respect, recognition, and rightful benefits they deserve from their contributions.”

Throughout her career, Legarda has championed laws and programs to protect intangible cultural heritage and promote Filipino innovation, including her leadership in the passage of the Philippine Innovation Act (Republic Act No. 11293) as its principal author and co-sponsor.

Alongside Legarda’s recognition, Gawad Yamang Isip 2025 also honored other pillars of Filipino creativity and innovation. Congressman Christopher “Toff” de Venecia was awarded for his legislative efforts to promote Filipino creativity, notably as the principal author of Republic Act No. 11904, the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act in the House of Representatives.

Other major awardees are Jericho Castro and Ricky Angcog their invention of the “Jerichord,” a three-stringed guitar designed to simplify music learning, Rey Valera, Lea Salonga and Regine Velasquez-Alcasid for their outstanding contributions to Filipino literary works, performing arts, and trademarks. Intellectual Property citations were also given to partners, organizations, and individuals.

In reaffirming her commitment, Senator Legarda’s message echoed a call for lasting stewardship:

“Our traditions are not just memories of the past but they are the seeds of our future. Protecting our indigenous knowledge and cultural expressions is a shared duty, one that strengthens our national identity and empowers future generations.”

The Gawad Yamang Isip Awards serve not only to honor individual achievements but to underscore the importance of building a resilient and inclusive intellectual property system that uplifts every Filipino innovator, artist, and tradition bearer. (30)