MANILA — As Dumaguete City makes strides to become a UNESCO City for Literature, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippine is actively supporting the effort by educating the City’s writers on copyright protection to help them secure their creative legacy.
As part of its initiative, the IPOPHL Bureau of Copyright & Related Rights held a two-day conference from Nov. 13-14 in Dumaguete centered on the theme Creative Rights: Dumaguete’s Path to a Literary Legacy.
The event gathered leaders in Intellectual Property, authors, and cultural advocates who shared insights in cultivating an environment where writers can write, thrive, and know that their rights are respected and protected.
IPOPHL Deputy Director-General Ann Claire Credo-Cabochan said the event does not only reflect on the City’s rich history as a haven for writers, poets and artists, but will also form Dumaguete’s strong literary identity that values and safeguards the contributions of its creators.
“This City’s literary heritage is a treasure, and today we gather to understand how creative rights can help protect, empower, and amplify this legacy for generations to come,” Cabochan said.
Dumaguete, known as the City of Gentle People, has long been a space for literary voices. It is known for hosting the SU National Writers Workshop which has produced a roster of celebrated writers such as National Artist for Literature Dr. Edith L. Tiempo, and which has enriched the Philippine literary landscape.
Dumaguete has been given one of the Philippine endorsements for the 2025 UNESCO Creative Cities Network in Literature. The other endorsement is for Quezon City in Film.
Established in 2004, the UCCN aims to promote cooperation with and among cities that harness creativity for sustainable urban development. To date, the Philippines has three cities recognized under this prestigious network: Iloilo City for Gastronomy, Cebu City for Design, and Baguio City for Crafts & Folk Art.
“As we embark on this journey of helping Dumaguete achieve the standing as a UNESCO Creative City for Literature, I encourage everyone to think about the legacy we are building – not just for Dumaguete’s authors, but for all who cherish the impact of literature on culture and community,” Cabochan added.
At the conference, renowned novelist and Palanca Hall of Famer Jose Y. Dalisay Jr. shared his views on the challenges and opportunities that await today’s novelists.
Book Development Association of the Philippines President Andrea Pasion-Flores walked writers through the business journey, from writing the manuscript to bringing it to market.
Youth Advocates through Theatre Arts Founder and Director Dessa Quesada-Palm talked about writing for theater, while novelist Geraldine Solon showed the possibilities in writing for a global audience.
- Jordan Carnice, recipient of the Nick Joaquin Literary Award-2023 Poet of the Year, shared practical tips to create impactful poetry, while also showing writers how they can carve their paths amid shifting global poetry trends.
Meanwhile, Buglas Writers Guild President Ian Rosales Casocot inspired audiences to turn their writing passion into a profession. He also underscored the City’s journey towards becoming a UNESCO creative city, and what it would mean to its literary legacy.
IPOPHL also conducted seminars about Intellectual Property as a business tool for local government units, GoNegosyo centers, business counselors and MSMEs. (Janina Lim/IPOPHL)
