MANILA, Philippines — A move in Congress to revive the Philippine Inventors Commission (PIC) is expected to help boost the competitiveness of Filipino inventors to meet the challenge of globalization. The PIC was created in 1964 by virtue of Republic Act (RA) 3850 to promote research and development and provide technical, financial, legal, and marketing assistance to Filipino inventors. It was abolished by Executive Order 128 as part of the government reorganization in 1987.
House Bill 2038 seeks to revive the PIC to encourage the generation, manufacture, and market of Filipino inventions. At present, the Technology Application and Promotion Institute (TAPI) under the Department of Science and Technology (DoST) is implementing RA 7459, the law providing incentives to Filipino inventors and inventions. However, RA 7459 only expands TAPI functions but does not provide support that will impact on the sector.
Under House Bill 2038, the commission will accredit inventors and inventors’ associations. It will provide technical assistance to inventors in preparing disclosure, description, abstract, and documents relating to patent application. It will facilitate assistance from local and international institutions to help develop inventions, establish import and export assistance, and aid inventors in finding markets for their inventions here and abroad.
Statistics from the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHIL) show that local applications for trademark and patent have been low compared to foreign applications. In 2010, there were only 167 invention applications, while foreign invention applications were at 3,224. This year, IPOPHIL and DoST signed an agreement to facilitate quicker patent applications among Filipino scientists, engineers, and inventors. Recent Filipino inventions from the Philippines, which won international awards, include an SMS reader, solar-powered balut-maker, superkalan, modular housing system, super bunker, natural gas vehicle, “Tubig Talino,” anti-cancer cream.
Filipino inventors need government and private sector support. If enacted into law, the revival of the Philippine Inventors Commission will help stimulate and encourage their inventiveness and ingenuity. A strengthened body will provide the vehicle for the generation of economically viable technologies and inventions as well as hasten their marketing and commercialization. CONGRATULATIONS! (Manila Bulletin)
