The Philippines, through the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), has committed to spearheading initiatives to strengthen intellectual property (IP) administration, awareness, capacity building and commercialization under the ASEAN Intellectual Property Rights Action Plan for 2026–2030 (AIPRAP 2030) that is now in force. Approved by member states, the regional economic development agenda aims to…
Read MoreCategory: International NEWS
IPOPHL urges ASEAN IP offices to push for commercialization thru strengthened TISC network
The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) urged ASEAN intellectualproperty (IP) offices to place commercialization at the heart of innovation support, callingfor stronger regional collaboration to ensure that research and technologies translate intoreal-world impact. The call was made during the 2nd ASEAN Technology and Innovation Support Center(TISC) Network Task Force Meeting, hosted by IPOPHL…
Read More
Travel Tax Abolition Gains Ground: Why Many Filipinos Say It’s Time to Let It Go
OPINION | The long-standing Philippine travel tax is now at the center of a serious national conversation, as lawmakers push for its abolition in what many describe as a long-overdue reform. For decades, Filipinos departing for international destinations have been required to pay a mandatory travel tax — ₱1,620 for economy class and ₱2,700 for…
Read More
Building Safety from the Ground Up: NMWSO Philippines Safety-by-Design Showcase
On 29 January 2026, The New Channel (TNC) had the privilege of attending and covering the NMWSO Philippines Grand Challenge – Safety-by-Design (SbD) Showcase at the Marco Polo Ortigas. What unfolded was more than a technology showcase—it was a collective call to action to create safer digital environments for women and marginalized communities. The event…
Read More
MSMEs undergo first intensive WIPO-IPOPHL mentoring program to build IP strategies for business growth
Over 20 MSMEs from all over the country are set to maximize their business value from the recently launched Intellectual Property Management Clinic (IPMC), a joint initiative led by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) that will provide MSMEs strategic one-on-one mentoring sessions for their development…
Read More
SOMA Pilipinas: Inside San Francisco’s Filipino Cultural Heritage District
San Francisco, California — Located in the South of Market (SoMa) neighborhood, SOMA Pilipinas is San Francisco’s officially designated Filipino Cultural Heritage District, created to preserve and celebrate the rich history, culture, and contributions of Filipino Americans in the city. Recognized by the City and County of San Francisco in 2016 and later designated as…
Read More
Rare Sakura Bloom at Baguio Country Club After 7 Years
Baguio City, Philippines — After seven years of meticulous care and cultivation, one of the sakura (cherry blossom) trees at Baguio Country Club (BCC) has finally burst into bloom, captivating visitors and marking a rare and significant horticultural milestone in the Philippines. The delicate pink flowers, long anticipated by nature enthusiasts and club members alike,…
Read More
Simon Berger’s Glass Portraits: Where Creation Meets Controlled Destruction
Swiss artist Simon Berger has captivated the contemporary art world with a technique that turns a material’s fragility into its greatest expressive strength. Instead of molding or painting glass in traditional ways, Berger uses hammer strikes to crack laminated safety glass, transforming fractured surfaces into hyper-realistic portraits that explore strength, vulnerability, and perception. From Carpenter…
Read More
Abi Marquez: From ‘Lumpia Queen’ to Global Food Storyteller
Filipino food content creator Abi Marquez has become one of the most influential voices shaping how Filipino cuisine is seen, celebrated, and shared around the world. With millions of followers across social platforms and a string of prestigious international awards, she is turning Filipino food into a global cultural conversation. A Creative Force Behind Filipino…
Read More
J.K. Rowling Spotted in Palawan: A Magical Surprise in Paradise
Puerto Princesa, Palawan, PHILIPPINES — January 2026 | What started as an ordinary day at Puerto Princesa International Airport turned pure enchantment when Joanne “J.K.” Rowling, the world-famous author of Harry Potter, was unexpectedly spotted stepping off a flight and greeting fans. Local parents shared photos and videos online of the British author signing books…
Read More