The DOST-Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI), led by Director Julius L. Leano, Jr., Ph.D., joined the Kick-off Meeting on Promoting Geographical Indications (GI) on 15 May 2025 at IPOPHL. Organized by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), along with the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and the CIRAD–REDD Consortium, the meeting marked a significant step in protecting Filipino products through the GI framework.

Geographical Indications (GI) are an intellectual property tool that links the quality and reputation of products such as food, textiles, or crafts to their geographic origin. The meeting outlined plans to develop a legislative proposal on GIs, assess 10 potential GI products, and strengthen institutional capacities for GI registration and protection.

DOST-PTRI expressed its support by committing to submit a list of potential GI textile products, and supporting value chain mapping, material validation, and capacity-building efforts to promote Philippine textile heritage.

The initiative aims to unlock the potential of GI value chains, empower communities, and preserve Philippine cultural heritage through inclusive innovation.