By Mikee Natinga Norico

Ms. Villarias-Caniel, CPU ITSO Focal Person, underscores the importance of CPU ITSO in fostering a culture of innovation among students, faculty, and staff.

Central Philippine University (CPU) continues to strengthen its innovation ecosystem through the dedicated leadership of Ms. Ligaya Villarias-Caniel, the Focal Person of the CPU Innovation and Technology Support Office (ITSO). Her journey—from a researcher newly introduced to intellectual property (IP) principles to becoming the University’s key advocate for innovation protection—reflects CPU’s growing commitment to research development, technology transfer, and knowledge creation.

From Training Participant to IP Champion

Ms. Villarias-Caniel’s involvement in IP work began in 2020 after attending the Department of Science and Technology–Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST–TAPI) seminar on amended IP-related policies in Cebu City. The training opened her eyes to the importance of safeguarding the creative and scientific outputs produced within the University.

“This training motivated me to pursue deeper involvement in technology transfer and innovation support,” she shared. Even before formally receiving her appointment, she had already been assisting then-ITSO Manager Mr. Lagradilla in processing copyright applications and filing documents for researchers and faculty members.

Her official designation as CPU ITSO Focal Person was confirmed when the Office of the Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension (VPRDE) was established in August 2025. Since then, she has committed herself to strengthening CPU’s IP processes, raising awareness, and expanding partnerships.

Understanding CPU ITSO and Its Mandate

The CPU Innovation and Technology Support Office operates under the University Research Center in partnership with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL). Its core mandate is to provide comprehensive support for protecting, managing, and utilizing intellectual property derived from research and creative works.

CPU ITSO offers services such as IP training, documentation, application assistance, technology transfer support, and research output protection. Through these efforts, the office ensures that CPU innovations are not only safeguarded but are also positioned for commercialization or public use.

Strengthening CPU’s Innovation Culture

For Ms. Villarias-Caniel, the presence of an ITSO in an educational institution is indispensable. “It protects the intellectual property of researchers, supports innovation, and helps translate research outputs into practical solutions for society,” she emphasized.

CPU ITSO plays a critical role in bridging academic research with industry and societal needs. It assists researchers in securing patents, conducting prior art searches, managing documentation, and preparing technologies for licensing, adoption, or commercialization.

Moreover, the office frequently collaborates with agencies such as IPOPHL, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), and DOST–TAPI, enabling CPU researchers to benefit from global training, policy guidance, and commercialization support.

Guiding CPU Innovators Through the IP Process

CPU ITSO assists inventors and researchers seeking patent protection or intellectual property support through a structured and well-guided process. From initial consultations and prior art searches to the preparation, documentation, and filing of applications, the office ensures that innovators receive proper guidance at every stage. “I am deeply committed to helping in this aspect so that our innovation ecosystem becomes more equipped, empowered, and capable of transforming research outputs into protected and impactful technologies,” she said.

1. Initial Consultation – The researcher meets with ITSO to discuss the invention or creative work and determine its IP potential.
2. Prior Art and Patent Search – ITSO conducts searches to identify existing patents or similar works and assess novelty.
3. Documentation and Drafting – ITSO helps prepare the necessary documents, including invention disclosures and patent drafts.
4. Filing Assistance – Guidance is provided for filing with IPOPHL or other relevant IP offices.
5. Follow-up and Monitoring – ITSO tracks the application process, communicates with the IP office, and advises on next steps.
6. Technology Transfer and Utilization – Once protected, ITSO supports commercialization, licensing, or collaboration to maximize the impact of the IP.

“Time management can be quite challenging,” Ms. Villarias-Caniel admits, as she also serves as URC Secretary and manages the University’s publication requirements. “But helping our innovation ecosystem grow is something I am deeply committed to.”

Achievements in IP Filing and Documentation

Under her leadership, CPU ITSO has seen significant progress in the filing and processing of various IP applications. Over the years, the office has facilitated the following:

Year	Copyrights	TM	UM
2018	23
2019	4
2020	1
2023	30
2024	10	2
2025	10 6 submitted (pending for the release of certificate)	4 (pending for publication)	1 pending for approval

CPU has also required its various offices and departments to submit their official logos for trademark applications—an important step toward strengthening institutional identity and protection.

Collaborations and Impact

Through partnerships with IPOPHL, WIPO, DOST-TAPI, industries, and academic collaborators, CPU ITSO has facilitated joint projects, licensing discussions, and opportunities for technology adoption. These collaborations have enhanced the University’s visibility and credibility in research and innovation.

“ITSO has helped shape the innovation culture at CPU by promoting awareness, guiding researchers, and encouraging the practical application of research,” she shared. Training sessions, workshops, and consultations have inspired more faculty, staff, and students to develop and protect their innovations.

Future Plans: Strengthening CPU’s Innovation Ecosystem (2026–2030)

Looking ahead, Ms. Villarias-Caniel envisions a more established and dynamic ITSO. To achieve this, she outlined several proposed programs for 2026–2030, as presented in the table below:

Program / Initiative	Description / Objectives
1. IP Awareness & Training Series	Regular workshops for faculty, staff, and students on patents, trademarks, copyrights, utility models, and commercialization strategies.
2. Patent & IP Clinic	Monthly consultations where inventors receive one-on-one guidance in drafting, filing, and managing IP applications.
3. Technology Commercialization Program	Support researchers in moving innovations from lab to market through licensing, spin-offs, and industry partnerships.
4. CPUGAD TBI Integration Program	Align ITSO services directly with the TBI to provide IP protection, patenting, and commercialization support to incubated startups.
5. Industry Partnership & Collaboration Forum	Annual forum connecting CPU researchers with industry partners to identify commercial opportunities and collaborative R&D projects.
6. International IP Linkages Program	Collaborate with WIPO, ASEAN-IP networks, and other international agencies for global IP protection, training, and exchange programs.
7. Innovation Grant Support Program	Assist faculty and students in preparing IP-related funding proposals and grants for research commercialization.
8. Digital & AI Innovation IP Program	Focus on protecting software, algorithms, and AI-based innovations, including guidance on copyright, patent, and trade secrets.
9. Annual Innovation & IP Awards	Recognize top innovators and researchers at CPU for outstanding IP creation, commercialization success, or community impact.
10. Community Technology Outreach Program	Extend IP and innovation support to local SMEs, farmers, and community partners, translating CPU research into practical solutions.

These programs aim to fortify CPU’s research-to-market pipeline, strengthen industry linkages, and expand the societal impact of CPU innovations.

A Message to CPU Innovators

Ms. Villarias-Caniel leaves a message of encouragement for the CPU community:

“Innovation starts with curiosity and the courage to explore new ideas. Your research and creativity can create solutions that benefit society and industry. Protect your work, collaborate, and make use of the support offered by CPU ITSO. Every great invention begins with a single idea—nurture it, develop it, and let it make a difference.”

While CPU ITSO does not yet have an official website or Facebook page, these digital platforms are scheduled for development and release in the coming year—another step toward strengthening the University’s innovation landscape.

Through the dedication of its ITSO Focal Person and ongoing collaborations, CPU is steadily positioning itself as an emerging hub for intellectual property management, technology development, and innovation within Western Visayas and beyond.

CPU researchers, students, and innovators may reach out to the Innovation and Technology Support Office at itso@cpu.edu.ph for assistance and guidance.