SLSU Holds Launching Program Commemorating IP Month

Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) reinforced its commitment to scientific development and innovation by hosting INVENT 2026 (Innovation, NaVigating Excellence, and Nurturing Transformations). Held on April 23, 2026, in observance of National Intellectual Property Month, the virtual event gathered faculty, students, and staff to explore how intellectual property (IP) drives economic growth and generates sectoral value.

Organized by the Office of the Vice President for Research, Innovation, Publication, and Extension (RIPE) and moderated by Mr. Danilo Vero, the program featured opening remarks from Dr. Francis Ann R. Sy, Vice President for RIPE. Dr. Sy underscored the critical role of IP in fostering a robust academic and national innovation ecosystem. 

The event also included a keynote address by Prof. Adrian Sablan, Chief of the IP Management and Technology Transfer Division at the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), who provided a comprehensive overview of the Philippine IP landscape, focusing on the process and successes of technology transfer through commercialization.

The open forum proved highly productive, addressing critical challenges such as navigating the “valley of death” common in university-based commercialization. Participants also explored the need for greater innovation in sports and human kinetics, aligning with the national theme, “IP in Sports: Ready, Set, Innovate.” Prof. Sablan highlighted this field as the country’s untapped “Waterloo,” representing a significant opportunity for academic research and development. 

Demonstrating the university’s dedication to an innovation-forward generation, the program also showcased the Student Pitching Competition grand champions of AbanTeknolohiya 3.0, which was recently held at Visayas State University. The winning team, represented by Mr. Jefferson Itaok, presented "ReefChronoAI," a pioneering project that utilizes location-aware artificial intelligence to map and analyze coral reef ecosystems.

The event concluded with the launch of a series of IP-focused writing competitions—comprising poetry, essays, and letters to the editor—officially introduced by Dr. Ludito Ramirez, Ethics Chairperson and Head of the Journal Publication and Management Unit. Participants attended breakout sessions to receive orientation on submission mechanics, with winners set to be announced during the closing program on April 29, 2026.