Lasallians Explore the Frontlines of Innovation at “Lakbay IP” Tour
Written by: Esquiline Marie Tia
Photos by: Johann De Guzman & Andrei Kian Quinlog
In a bid to foster a deeper understanding of creativity and legal protection, the De La Salle University Intellectual Property Office (DIPO) successfully spearheaded an educational tour of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) last June 22, 2026.
The initiative, titled “Lakbay IP: Sama-sama sa IPOPHL,” was organized as part of this year’s Lasallian Enrichment Alternative Program (LEAP). The event provided student participants with a unique opportunity to step outside the traditional classroom setup and engage directly with the regulators of the country’s intellectual property ecosystem.
Bridging Academia and Industry
The “Lakbay IP” tour aimed to demystify the complexities of intellectual property rights (IPR) for the modern Lasallian. Throughout the day, students were given an exclusive look at the inner workings of IPOPHL, learning how breakthroughs, artistic creations, and unique brand identities are safeguarded under Philippine law.
This hands-on exposure came to life as participants toured key departments within the office, such as, but not limited to, the Bureau of Trademarks, Bureau of Legal Affairs, and Policy Research and International Affairs Division.
Experts from IPOPHL guided the students through the crucial roles that patents, copyrights, and trademarks play in driving national development and economic growth. By protecting original ideas, creators are empowered to innovate fearlessly—a message that strongly resonated with the young innovators in attendance.
“Protecting our creativity today secures our future tomorrow. This tour bridges the gap between academic theory and real-world application, proving that Lasallian innovation has a protected space in the global market.”
Following their time at IPOPHL, the participants headed to the Dr. Andrew L. Tan Data Science Institute, a specialized DLSU campus hub. There, the students attended an insightful session led by Engr. Kevin Tan, who delivered a comprehensive talk on Intellectual Property and the vital role of the IPOPHL in fostering local innovation, enhancing and emphasizing the learnings of the participants from the tour.
A LEAP Toward Creative Leadership
As a featured LEAP activity, the tour aligns with DLSU’s commitment to holistic student development. By exposing students to the legal frameworks of innovation, the university continues to cultivate a culture of ethical creation and leadership.
This multi-stop journey perfectly captured the essence of this year’s theme, “LEAP 2026: Isang Nayon, Isang Layunin.” Deeply rooted in the Lasallian value of service, the theme emphasizes that true progress stems from empathy, mutual support, and a shared dedication to the greater good. By moving from regulatory insights to data science applications, the experience encouraged Lasallians to pool their unique strengths and recognize that the most impactful learning occurs when individuals unite behind a collective goal.
Ultimately, the initiative reinforced that authentic leadership centers on elevating others, education is a gift to be shared, and genuine development is achieved by choosing community over competition. Through their active participation, these student innovators actively answered the call to build a more unified and resilient community, embodying the spirit of bayanihan and collective advancement. With these fresh insights, the participants are now better equipped to champion original Filipino ideas and lead the next wave of local and global breakthroughs.
The DLSU Intellectual Property Office expressed its gratitude to IPOPHL for opening its doors to the Lasallian community. With the insights gained from the tour, the participants are better equipped to champion original Filipino ideas and lead the next wave of local and global breakthroughs.
