Bicol University has earned its fourth consecutive Platinum Award under the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) Innovation and Technology Support Office (ITSO) Clustering Program. The recognition was conferred during the ITSO Presidents’ Summit held on March 25, 2026, in Iloilo City.

The ITSO Platinum Award, presented by IPOPHL, honors institutions that demonstrate outstanding performance in intellectual property (IP) education and services. This includes initiatives in IP awareness, patent search and drafting, as well as significant contributions to patent information services, IP filings, and technology commercialization. As an active member of the ITSO Network, Bicol University’s continued recognition reflects its strong commitment to advancing innovation and developing technologies that address real-world needs.

This achievement was made possible through the collective efforts of the university’s Intellectual Property Management Division (IPMD), Bicol Fablab, faculty members, and student innovators. Their work was further strengthened by the sustained support of the Office of the Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension (OVPRDE).

Representing the university at the awarding ceremony were Dr. Lany L. Maceda, Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension; Dr. Nicanor B. Balbin, Director of the Intellectual Property Management Division and concurrent ITSO Manager; along with technical staff members Ms. Zaira G. Bataller and Mr. Christian L. Baiño.

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