Korean deal supports Bicol essential-oil producers

THE Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) said its five-year partnership with Korean government entities will support the growth of essential-oil producers in Bicol.

In a statement on Monday, IPOPHL said it signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Intellectual Property of Korea (MoIP), the Korea Invention Promotion Association (KIPA), and the Orgullo Kan Bikol (OKB) Association.

“The signing marks the culmination of a year-long collaboration that developed and deployed a specialized elemi oil extraction technology for the OKB community,” IPOPHL said.

Under the project, a customized extraction system was installed in the OKB community, which addresses low yield, labor intensity, and safety issues associated with improvised distillation systems.

“The new equipment enables safer, more efficient processing and supports the setup of a shared facility for local producers,” it said.

Elemi oil is extracted from the Canarium luzonicum tree and is used in traditional medicine, the scent industry, and skincare.

The agreement supports capacity-building efforts in equipment operation, sustainable harvesting, and branding to ensure the protection of the growers’ intellectual property.

“MoIP and KIPA will lead the research, design, and development of the equipment and brands,” it said.

“IPOPHL, through the Bureau of Trademarks as the local project manager, will oversee field activities, coordination, monitoring, and awareness campaigns,” it added.

OKB will be responsible for site preparation, operation, safety, feedback, and community engagement.

“The MoU signals our readiness to move forward to ensure the effective use of the developed elemi oil extractor to enhance branding strategies and to cultivate an ecosystem where farmers, processors, entrepreneurs, and local institutions collaborate with shared purpose,” said OKB President Erika O. Pereña.

“The completion of this project marks a milestone not only for the pili industry but for the entire Bicol region. Beyond technology, this project restores dignity to local production and affirms our identity as globally ready Bicolano MSMEs and innovators,” she added. — Justine Irish D. Tabile