TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines– The Patent Mining Training Workshop and Mentorship Program for Batch 1A officially opened on September 2, 2025, at Hotel Costa Brava, Tacloban City, Samar State University (SSU) as co-host in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD), Trainers and Workshop Providers: Association of PAQE Professionals, Inc. (APP, Inc.), Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL).
The 4-day national training is part of PCAARRD’s initiative, Project 1: Strengthening the Regional Intellectual Property and Technology Business Management (IPTBM) in Eastern Visayas under the RAISE Program Phase 2, currently implemented by SSU.
Patent Mining, a growing practice in research and development, involves the systematic extraction and analysis of patent documents to generate insights that guide innovation strategies, policy priorities, and technology transfer.
Through this program, participants will learn how to navigate patent databases, craft effective keyword and classification strategies, analyze patent claims, and produce mining reports. These competencies are particularly important in driving innovation in the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources (AANR) sectors.
Day 1 Highlights: Laying the Foundations of Patent Mining
The first day set the tone for the week-long mentorship with the Opening Ceremony, which featured welcome and support messages from national leaders in intellectual property and innovation:
Dr. Redentor S. Palencia, President of SSU, emphasized the central role of IP in the country’s development, stating: “Intellectual Property is the key aspect for economic development. When we say innovate, we do not only live, so that we thrive in the fast-changing world.”
Mr. Ralph Jarvis H. Alindogan, Director IV of DITTB, IPOPHL, delivered the opening message.
Atty. Editha R. Hechanova, President of the Association of PAQE Professionals, Inc. (APP), gave an inspiring message on the importance of protecting and using innovations strategically.
Dr. Vivian L. Moya, Director of IPTBDO and SSU’s Executive Director for Extension Services, expressed strong institutional support for the program.
Ms. Mae A. Dagaas of PCAARRD-TTPD provided an overview of the national Patent Mining Program.
Following the opening, the Day 1 Training Proper focused on the Foundations of Patent Mining. Participants were introduced to the concepts, objectives, and significance of patent mining in guiding research and development (R&D), shaping policies, and facilitating technology transfer.
A Nationwide Collaboration
The mentorship program brought together representatives from 27 universities and institutions nationwide, showcasing a strong commitment to building innovation capacity across regions.
Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR): Benguet State University (BSU), Ifugao State University (IFSU), Apayao State College (ASC)
Region V – Bicol Region: Bicol University (BU), Camarines Norte State College (CNSC), Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges (CSPC), Sorsogon State University (SORSU), Catanduanes State University (CATSU), Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA), Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology (DEBESMSCAT)
Region VI – Western Visayas: Capiz State University (CAPSU), Aklan State University (ASU), Central Philippines State University (CPSU), Guimaras State University (GSU), Northern Iloilo State University (NISU), University of Antique (UA), Carlos Hilado Memorial State University (CHMSU), Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U), West Visayas State University (WVSU), Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST), University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV)
Region VIII – Eastern Visayas: Samar State University (SSU), Biliran Province State University (BiPSU), Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU), Southern Leyte State University (SLSU), University of Eastern Philippines (UEP), Visayas State University (VSU), and Other Partner: Hechanova & Co., Inc.
Towards Day 2 and Beyond
Day 1 successfully established the importance of Patent Mining as a research and innovation tool. Over the next sessions, participants will progress to tools, classifications, and strategy (Day 2), hands-on workshops and mentoring (Day 3), and final presentations and recognition (Day 4).
By the end of the program, participants are expected to generate actionable patent mining outputs that will strengthen their institutions’ role in R&D planning, technology transfer, and inclusive innovation.