IPOPHL awards BukSU with three major awards at 2026 ITSO Presidents’ Summit

Bukidnon State University (BukSU) received the Bronze, Gold, and Platinum Awards in the 2026 ITSO Clustering, conferred by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines during the ITSO Presidents’ Summit and General Assembly held March 25–26, 2026, in Iloilo City.

Representing the University, Dr. Madelaine S. Dumandan, IPTTU Director, and Mr. Kierby B. Depalan, ITSO Manager, received the awards on behalf of BukSU.

“This milestone reflects the strong leadership and unwavering support of University President Dr. Joy M. Mirasol and Vice President for Research, Extension, and Innovation Dr. Carina Joane V. Barroso, whose vision continues to drive excellence in research, innovation, and intellectual property development,” said Dumandan.

The summit, organized annually by IPOPHL, brings together heads and representatives of Innovation and Technology Support Offices (ITSOs), along with government and industry stakeholders, to recognize performing innovation centers across the country for their work in intellectual property registration and commercialization.

Under IPOPHL’s ITSO 2.0 clustering system, the Bronze, Gold, and Platinum awards correspond to specific deliverables in intellectual property development, including training activities, patent filings, and the commercialization of technologies.

ITSOs are units established within universities, research institutions, and government agencies in partnership with IPOPHL. These offices provide support services related to intellectual property, including patent and trademark search, preparation of applications, and technology transfer facilitation.

“This collective effort has strengthened the University’s innovation ecosystem and advanced its commitment to research commercialization and technology transfer. This recognition highlights BukSU’s growing impact as a hub of innovation in Northern Mindanao—championing solutions that contribute to sustainable development,” Dumandan added. (Queency P. Gemina/ Staff, IPTTU)