University of Luzon Representatives Attend Meeting on Bangus GI Certification

On October 24, 2023, College Dean Amalia Dela Cruz and Professor Raquel Mejia from the College of Business Administration, Hospitality and Tourism Management (CBAHTM) of the University of Luzon (UL) attended a meeting with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Intellectual Property Office, and the Geographical Indications Team, alongside several NGOs, Dagupan’s local government unit, Dagupan bangus stakeholders, and bangus growers and processors. The meeting took place at the Lenox Hotel in Dagupan City, Pangasinan, and focused on collective mark mapping and the bangus industry’s geographical indication (GI) certification.

Geographical indication (GI) is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or reputation that are due to that origin. In the Philippines, the DTI is responsible for the registration and protection of GIs.

The bangus industry is one of the most important economic sectors in Dagupan City. The city is known as the “Bangus Capital of the Philippines” due to its high production of milkfish. The Bangus GI certification would recognize the unique qualities of Dagupan bangus and protect it from imitation.

During the meeting, the participants discussed the following topics:

• The importance of collective mark mapping in identifying and protecting the unique qualities of Dagupan bangus
• The benefits of GI certification for the bangus industry
• The steps involved in obtaining GI certification

The UL representatives were invited to the meeting due to their expertise in the bangus industry. Dean Dela Cruz and Professor Mejia shared their insights on the unique qualities of Dagupan bangus and the potential benefits of GI certification for the industry.

The meeting was a success, and the participants agreed to continue working together to obtain GI certification for Dagupan bangus. The UL representatives are committed to supporting the bangus industry and are confident that GI certification will help to promote and protect Dagupan bangus.

Benefits of GI Certification for the Bangus Industry

GI certification offers a number of benefits to the bangus industry, including:

• Increased consumer awareness and recognition of Dagupan bangus
• Protection from imitation and unfair competition
• Enhanced market value and competitiveness of Dagupan bangus
• Increased economic opportunities for bangus growers and processors
• Promotion of sustainable and ethical bangus farming practices

The UL representatives are pleased to have had the opportunity to attend the meeting and share their insights on the bangus industry and GI certification.