The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with the Regional Intelligence Liaison Office (RILO) for the Asia/Pacific region, held a pivotal regional workshop from May 14 to 17, 2024, in Hanoi, Vietnam. The workshop focused on sharing best practices for combating counterfeiting and piracy in alignment with the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Strategy adopted by the WCO.

Among the distinguished participants was IO3 Paul Oliver N. Pacunayen, Chief of the Intellectual Property Rights Division (IPRD) of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) Philippines. IO3 Pacunayen’s presence at the workshop underscores his dedication to advancing global standards in protecting intellectual property rights and enhancing collaborative efforts to address the pressing issues of counterfeiting and piracy.

The workshop convened esteemed representatives from various customs administrations, industry experts, and international organizations from a diverse array of Asian counties who actively engaged in informative discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions to fortify regional and global strategies against intellectual property violations. The agenda encompassed in-depth case studies, interactive panels, and collaborative exercises meticulously crafted to cultivate a comprehensive understanding of effective enforcement measures and innovative approaches to IPR protection.

IO3 Pacunayen shared insights from his extensive IPR enforcement experience and highlighted the BOC Philippines’ successful initiatives. His participation not only represented the Philippines’ commitment to the global fight against counterfeiting and piracy but also underscored the crucial importance of international cooperation in safeguarding intellectual property rights, a necessity in today’s globalized world.

“Participating in this workshop provided a valuable platform to exchange knowledge and strategies with our counterparts from across the Asia/Pacific region,” said IO3 Pacunayen. “The insights gained and the partnerships forged here will be instrumental in strengthening our national efforts to combat intellectual property violations and uphold the integrity of our markets.”

Under the steadfast leadership of Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio, the BOC has significantly strengthened its enforcement capabilities and international partnerships to combat counterfeiting and piracy. This recent workshop, where the BOC Philippines played a pivotal role, provided valuable insights into the latest enforcement techniques, contributing to a more robust enforcement regime and reaffirming the bureau’s unwavering commitment to this cause.

In addition, the success of the BOC Philippines in combating counterfeiting and piracy is strongly supported by the initiatives and leadership of the Deputy Commissioner for the Intelligence Group, Juvymax R. Uy, and the Director for Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service, Verne Y. Enciso. Their unwavering commitment to enhancing enforcement capabilities and fostering international cooperation has been instrumental in the bureau’s strategic endeavors.

The workshop concluded with a collective commitment to enhancing enforcement capabilities, improving cross-border cooperation, and continuing the dialogue on innovative solutions to the challenges posed by counterfeiting and piracy. The WCO and RILO reaffirmed their dedication to supporting member countries in implementing the IPR Strategy and achieving tangible results in protecting intellectual property rights.