Central Mindanao University Academic Paradise of the South
Proving its commitment to innovation and excellence, Central Mindanao University (CMU), through its Office of Intellectual Property and Technology Business Management (IPTBM), received both the Platinum and Palladium Awards from the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) today. The awards were presented during the ITSO President Summit at the Sequoia Hotel, Parañaque City.
The awards recognize CMU’s achievements in intellectual property management, technology transfer, and commercialization. This year marks CMU’s fifth consecutive Platinum Award, a milestone that qualifies the university for the coveted Palladium Award—the highest distinction given by IPOPHL to members of the Innovation and Technology Support Offices (ITSOs) network.
In an interview, IPTBM Director Dr. Vellorimo J. Suminguit shared that for CMU to get the highest possible award next year, the University needs to upgrade its intellectual property (IP) filings from utility models to patents.
He added, “For us to have patentable technologies, we need to conduct prior art search and patent mining using curated global patent databases. We need to bring our patented technologies to the market.”
Notably, CMU is the fastest state university to achieve this distinction since joining the ITSO network in 2019, significantly later than other awardees who joined in 2010.
Representing CMU during the awarding ceremony were University President Dr. Rolito G. Eballe, IPBTM Director Dr. Vellorimo J. Suminguit, IPBTM Unit Heads- Dr. Gamaliela A. Dumancas, Engr. Constancio M. Verula, and Prof. Yuyen V. Tan.
CMU joins a distinguished group of Palladium Awardees this year, which includes Ateneo De Manila University, University of the Philippines Manila, De La Salle University, Caraga State University, and Samar State University.
CMU’s dual recognition underscores the university’s growing influence and leadership in intellectual property innovation, further solidifying its role as a rising force in Philippine higher education. [With information from Dr. Vellorimo J. Suminguit, Dr. Gamaleila A. Dumancas, and Prof. Yuyen V. Tan]
