The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) once again honored the country’s leading innovators at the 2026 Gawad Yamang Isip (GYI) Awards, shining the spotlight on intellectual property (IP) rights holders and champions whose contributions continue to shape and elevate the innovation landscape of the Philippines.
Anchored on the theme “IP in Sports: Ready, Set, Innovate!” this year’s awards highlighted the dynamic intersection of IP and the sports sector, underscoring how IP protection fuels creativity, performance and industry growth.
“IP is the engine that drives our athletes, innovators and industries to push beyond their limits,” said IPOPHL Director General Teodoro C. Pascua. “From the jerseys our athletes wear, to the technology that tracks their performance, to the brands that inspire millions of fans, every innovation tells a story of dedication and Filipino excellence.”
Celebrating pioneers and frontrunners in sports innovation
In line with this year’s theme, IPOPHL awarded outstanding individuals and enterprises that have harnessed the power of IP to drive bold ideas, transforming them into innovative, high-impact and commercially successful sports innovations that inspire progress and elevate the industry:
- Inventions – Dr. Ramon B. Gustilo
Gustilo, a pioneer in trauma and reconstructive orthopedics, co-developed the globally used Gustilo-Anderson classification for open fractures. As founder of Orthopedic International Inc., he advanced affordable solutions like the patented Axis Knee Replacement System, expanding access to life-changing orthopedic procedures in the Philippines.
- Industrial Design – Marcelino C. Chua
Chua established MCC Group of Companies, which positions itself as a one-stop sports and fitness solutions provider in the Philippines. SportsLab Inc. is a business unit/brand under the MCC Group with multiple industrial design registrations intended to enhance performance and support an active lifestyle of professional athletes or fitness enthusiasts.
- Copyright (Literary Works) – Quinito Henson
Also known as “The Dean,” Henson is a pioneering sports journalist and columnist for The Philippine Star whose award-winning coverage and expert commentary have made him a cornerstone of Philippine sports media, promoting basketball and Olympics coverage internationally.
- Copyright (Artistic Works) – Josephino Mario J. de Guzman
De Guzman is an action photographer whose striking images across motorsports, triathlons, running and swimming elevated Philippine sports visuals, capturing athletic excellence and inspiring enthusiasts locally and internationally.
- Trademark – Toby’s Sports
A pioneer in sports retail in the Philippines, Toby’s Sports began as a small shop at Greenhills and grew into a nationwide chain with over 60 stores on e-commerce platforms. Operated by Quorum International, Inc., it has secured multiple trademark registrations, reinforcing a strong and well-protected market presence.
IP Champions
IPOPHL recognized three distinguished individuals as IP champions for their contributions to advancing intellectual property and innovation in the Philippines:
- Former Senator Emmanuel D. Pacquiao Sr. for promoting the economic empowerment of Filipino athletes and creatives through the strategic use of intellectual property. By protecting his name, image, and achievements as IP assets, he has shown how sports excellence can be translated into sustainable economic opportunities.
- Department of Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Rhoel R. Aguda for his strong support for IP protection as a tool for safeguarding public sector innovations. His leadership has driven a proactive approach to securing IP for government-developed innovations and integrating it into national innovation policy.
- Atty. Rowel S. Barba for his leadership of IPOPHL from 2020 to 2024, where he strengthened IP systems and positioned IP as a key driver of innovation and competitiveness. His reforms expanded support for innovators and elevated the country’s innovation ecosystem amid the economic uncertainties brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Top filers, IP agents and media partners
IPOPHL recognized the most prolific IP filers from the past year across key categories:
- Patents – Jonel A. Mawirat
- Utility Models – Cebu Technological University
- Industrial Design – Design Center of the Philippines
- Trademark – Quinta Care Inc.
- Copyright – Leyte Normal University
- Juana Make a Mark – Department of Trade and Industry, Cordillera Administrative Region
- Madrid Protocol – Avocadoria Food and Beverages Inc.
Top-performing IP agents were also recognized for their contributions in strengthening the country’s intellectual property system through efficient, high-quality support in the filing, registration, and protection of IP rights:
- Patents – Spruson & Ferguson Philippines, Inc.
- Utility Model – Ray H. Malonjao
- Industrial Design – Adastra IP International, Inc.
- Trademark – AttyAid Solutions, Inc.
