Capiz State University (CAPSU), through its Intellectual Property Management Office (CAPSU-IPMO), was conferred the S&T Innovation in Agri-Aqua (SINAG) Award for Best Facilitator/Enabler during the 2025 Science and Technology Recognition and Awarding Ceremony held on January 30, 2026 at SMX Convention Center, Pasay City, Manila. The ceremony formed part of the celebration of the 53rd Founding Anniversary of the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD).

The prestigious recognition was awarded to CAPSU-IPMO for its outstanding leadership in driving innovation, safeguarding intellectual property, and enabling effective technology transfer. The SINAG Award recognizes institutions and offices that play a critical role in facilitating the commercialization and adoption of research-based technologies, particularly in the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources sectors.

CAPSU-IPMO was cited for establishing a strong and institutionalized framework for intellectual property management within the University. Through its restructured divisions—the Innovation and Technology Support Division and the Knowledge and Technology Transfer Division—the IPMO has significantly strengthened IP protection mechanisms, enhanced incubation programs, and advanced technology commercialization initiatives.

A key highlight of CAPSU-IPMO’s accomplishment is the replication of its IP management and technology transfer model across all nine CAPSU campuses, empowering both researchers and students to secure, manage, and maximize the value of their intellectual assets. Through the dedicated efforts of its Technology Transfer Team, incubation initiatives, and robust industry linkages, CAPSU-IPMO has successfully transformed research outputs into market-ready and socially relevant solutions.

Further demonstrating its commitment to sustainability and accountability, CAPSU-IPMO has institutionalized an annual Intellectual Property Audit, ensuring the systematic identification, protection, and management of the University’s intellectual assets. To date, the office has facilitated 121 intellectual property applications, with 87 registered IPs covering trademarks, industrial designs, copyrights, and patents—an achievement that underscores CAPSU’s growing research and innovation portfolio.
The award was formally received by CAPSU President Dr. Efren L. Linan, together with Vice President for Research, Development and Extension Dr. Leo Andrew B. Biclar, and IPMO Director Prof. French A. Dampog, reflecting the University’s strong leadership support and collective commitment to innovation-driven development.

CAPSU’s recognition as a SINAG Best Facilitator/Enabler Awardee affirms the University’s vital role in strengthening industry collaboration, empowering researchers, and advancing research utilization beyond the laboratory and into the hands of communities and markets. As DOST-PCAARRD marks over five decades of service, CAPSU continues to stand out as a model institution where innovation, protection of intellectual property, and technology transfer converge to support national and regional development.

| Text and photos by Dr. Leo Andrew B. Biclar, Vice President for Research, Development and Extension.