30 July 2025
De La Salle Philippines 4th Intellectual Property Summit: One Network, One Vision for Innovation.
Romeo P. Ariniego, MD (RPAMD) Library Auditorium of De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute (DLSMHSI)
On 30 July, representatives from the Intellectual Property Commission of the De La Salle Philippines network of schools came together at the Romeo P. Ariniego, MD (RPAMD) Library Auditorium of De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute (DLSMHSI) for the 4th DLSP Intellectual Property Summit. Centered on the theme “One La Salle, One Vision: Advancing IP Together,” the summit aimed to strengthen collaboration across the Lasallian network in developing and protecting intellectual property, and exchanging measurable targets on their three-year strategy, prepared by the IP Commission.
What began in 2022 as simple meetings has evolved into a meaningful annual event where ideas are shared and plans are shaped. This year’s summit saw greater participation from the De La Salle Philippines Central House administration and members of the DLSP IP Commission reflecting the network’s strong commitment to working together in advancing intellectual property initiatives. With this year’s IP Summit, made possible through various members of the IP Commission's TWG.
The program began with a welcoming message from Chancellor Mr. Ferdinand Berba of DLSMHSI, who encouraged everyone that intellectual property (IP) is not just paperwork—it is a way to protect and fuel new ideas. Securing our inventions gives creators the confidence to share and build on each other’s work. In health care especially, patenting devices and treatments helps make innovations affordable and widely available. IP, then, becomes a springboard for collaboration and life-saving advances.
Our DLSP President, Mr. Edgar O. Chua aFSC, He then gave his keynote message, encouraging all schools to recognize how the IP Commission can contribute to building a stronger network for research and innovation. He also highlighted how tools such as AI can help improve the methods in managing and utilizing intellectual property across all networks.
This was followed by a message of support from Br. Mandy Co Dujunco, FSC, DTheol who shared a reflection on how the concept of IP has evolved over the years along with the founding of the IP Technical Working Group to what is now the IP Commission. He recalled a time when it wasn’t seen as necessary, but today, protecting our intellectual property is essential. As we strive to be of service, IP has become a vital form of support—not only in protecting our research, patents, researchers and staff, but also in protecting our students. It is a crucial service.
Atty. Christopher E. Cruz, PhD, Chair of DLSP IP Commission also shared the role of the IP Commission and plans for building a shared IP system across the De La Salle schools, with his team playing active roles to support the initiatives.
The summit wasn’t just a talk—it was also a working session. Attendees were divided into three breakout groups based on the DLSP IP Commission’s Three-Year Strategic Priorities:
Network Wide IP Awareness and Education
Creation and Implementation of IP Policies across all Schools.
Provide IP Management services such as IP Protection, consulting, capacity building and technology transfer
Each breakout group proposed specific ideas and practical steps to move forward.Following their discussions, they presented their ideas during the plenary session, where they received feedback and support from fellow participants. This collaborative exchange allowed for further refinement of the commission’s initiatives and encouraged more collaboration across all our De La Salle Philippines schools. With engagement by more experienced schools to support the development of our Mission Schools, we ensure that proposed actions are practical, aligned with our shared network goals, and tailored to each school's unique context.
To end the day, Atty. Cruz shared that the results of the summit will be presented at the upcoming DLSP Commissions - Chairs Assembly on 27 August 2025. As everyone wrapped up, it was clear that the Lasallian community is ready to take bigger steps in protecting and growing our Lasallian intellectual property.