Teodoro Pascua returns to IPOPHL as new director general, vows integrity-driven leadership
The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) has welcomed Teodoro C. Pascua as its new director general, following his appointment by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the agency announced on Monday, April 20.
Pascua returns to the agency in a “homecoming” appointment, having previously served as deputy director general for policy and management services at IPOPHL from 2018 to 2022. During his earlier tenure, he oversaw key units including the documentation, information and technology transfer bureau (DITTB), management information service (MIS), and financial management and administrative service (FMAS), as well as the IP academy, policy and international affairs division, and IP enforcement office.
He brings more than 15 years of executive public service experience, including his roles as deputy director general at the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) from 2010 to 2016 and undersecretary for consumer protection at the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) consumer protection group from 2016 to 2018.
Prior to his government service, Pascua practiced law at Yulo Aliling Pascua & Zuñiga Law Offices, where he returned as partner after his stint in public office. He also served as chairman of the board of trustees of Wesleyan University-Philippines in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija province.
In a statement, Pascua emphasized integrity and continuity in public service.
“I am honored to come back home to IPOPHL and work alongside the dedicated men and women who are advancing innovation and creativity in the country. This we do at a critical juncture when products of the mind have been increasingly shaping our economy. We will build on the agency’s strong foundation to ensure that IP is responsive, inclusive, and supportive of the Filipino dream,” Pascua said.
He also outlined his guiding principles for IPOPHL’s work moving forward.
“It is my desire that in everything we do, our integrity shines above all. Our clientele—the public we serve—should see not only that our causes are just, but that [their IP assets] are handled by people of integrity. And as we move forward together, let us continue the things we have done well, while bringing in new ideas and practices that are truly exemplary in public service.”
Outgoing IPOPHL acting director general Nathaniel S. Arevalo, who will return as deputy director general, welcomed Pascua’s appointment and expressed confidence in his leadership.
“I am confident that under his guidance, the agency will continue to advance innovation and strengthen IP protection for all Filipinos,” Arevalo said.