By Marinel E. Peroy
From quality education to climate action, these advocacies were highlighted as creating the mind meets sustainable development goals through the Intellectual Property of the Philippines (IPOPHL).
In celebration of World Book Copyright Day, IPOPHL’s Bureau of Copyright and Related Rights hosted a hybrid seminar with the theme: “IP and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Building our Common Future with Innovation and Creativity” last April 23.
From raising awareness to making an impact, the Copyright Activities on Tuesday revolved around these topics: The Importance and Pillars of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Importance in the Creative World; Transforming our World: The 20230 Agenda for Sustainable Development; and, The Impact of SDGs to the Creatives from an Artist’s Perspective.
In his remarks, Atty. Rowel S. Barba, IPOPHL’s Director General, shared that the celebration is timely for the Philippines to mark its National Intellectual Property Month this April. He mentioned the importance of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and how IPOPHL applies these SDGs such as providing copyright protection for authors and publishers.
“Copyright has a role in supporting equal access to education and information through books. A future without this access is a future where students cannot learn, teachers cannot teach them necessary skills and comprehension, and researchers cannot develop new knowledge to build future innovations,” said Director General Barba.
He noted that the 17 SDGs are the “blueprint to help us achieve a better and more sustainable future.”
“Together with the World Intellectual Property Organization, IPOPHL is set to celebrate the upcoming World Intellectual Property Day on April 26,” added Barba.
Held at the IPOPHL office, this year’s Copyright Activities revolved around these topics: The Importance and Pillars of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Importance in the Creative World; Transforming our World: The 20230 Agenda for Sustainable Development; and, The Impact of SDGs to the Creatives from an Artist’s Perspective.
During her presentation, Ms. Antoinette Cherish Flores Taus, the Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), discussed the triple planetary crisis (climate change, nature loss, and pollution & waste); the circular economy: a) design out waste and pollution, b) keep products and materials in use, and c) regenerate natural systems, including the Eco-Ikot Center and how it empowers women and local communities.
“Through the SDGs, we’re encouraged to learn more about the national situation [and] the issues we face globally; because we cannot protect what we don’t understand. That’s why reading and learning is so important – because it’s one thing to have passion – but without verified data, without accountable information, we cannot make data-driven decisions and science-backed actions.”
Being the Founder of CORA (Communities Organized for Resource Allocation) and The Sustainable Planet, Taus is a staunch advocate of the following SDGs:
SDG 2 – Zero Hunger
SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-Being
SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation
SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy
SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth
SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities
SDG 13 – Climate Action
Taus highlighted these SDGs with her non-profit organizations’ initiatives and projects such as the pivotal role of women in climate resilience through WeMANGROVE WARRIORS.
Furthermore, Dr. Ivan Anthony Henares – Secretary-General of the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines discussed the recent ratification of the Philippines on the ‘2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions’ last March 19, 2024 — after 19 years of waiting. Henares underscored the importance of focusing on capacity building and skills training, emphasizing how culture and creativity play significant roles in achieving SDGs. However, he noted that policies, plans, and projects must be recognized for both national and global situations.
Ms. Jolizbeth Justo, also known as Teacher Dyali, emphasized that storytelling can cater to all ages and whichever profession, encouraging listeners to be part of the solution.
As a storyteller and educator, Teacher Dyali explained the need to deliver more of what’s expected, promote love for reading through storytelling, and her project ‘BALIKAT’ – bata, unawa, kalusugan, livelihood, akap-kalikasan, and talent. All of these are interconnected, mentioning the pivotal role of children as future leaders wherein their stewardship in their chosen professions can also create a huge impact.
“Let these children be an inspiration to other children,” added Dyali.
Other speakers include:
- Mr. Rey Bufi – Founding President of Basa (Travelling) Bookstore, Director of PBBY, and Sectoral Representative for Storytellers. Kuya Rey has given storytelling workshops for more than 10,000 volunteers, students, and teachers. In addition, his The Storytelling Project (TSP) and Basa Bookstore have crossed rivers and mountains — reaching over 30,000 kids from Camiguin Norte, Babuyan Islands, Patikul, Sulu to Tawi-Tawi.
- Mr. Tor Sagud – IGOROTAK Author/Writer, Baguio-based Illustrator and Animator. He also partakes in multifaceted roles at Studio Sagud — serving as its president to producer. In 2023, Sagud was one of the distinguished recipients of the JCI Philippines – The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) Awards.
Developing a sense of self and promoting community values through storytelling were also highlighted. This is why it is important to remember that everyone is a storyteller in their way. Be it in the form of art, music, or linguistics — we can make an impact. Moving forward, may each SDG initiative create a ripple effect toward creating a better future for all and beyond.
“Together, we can nurture a nation of lifelong learners — one story at a time” – The Storytelling Project
