14 PRA NEWS UPDATES PHILIPPINE RETAILING
PRA commits to protect IP rights of MSMEs , and support women empowerment
Last November 2021 , PRA together with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines ( IPOPHL ) signed a Memorandum of Agreement for the “ Juan For the World ” program initiated by the IPOPHL that provides incentives to MSMEs applying for trademark registration under the Madrid Protocol .
“ It is relevant now more than ever to have intellectual property rights of our local brands and retailers protected , especially those of the MSMEs who are now starting to explore e-commerce , which as we know is a gateway to expanding businesses in the global market ” PRA Chairman Atty . Paul Santos stated in the virtual signing ceremony of the “ Juan For the World ” program .
PRA added that having IP rights protected thru trademark opens more doors of opportunities in the international market . Getting and applying for a trademark does not only protect the brand but also fosters
BAYO wins 2021 Regional UN WEPs Awards for Gender-Responsive Category
Bayo Manila Inc . was conferred as the regional winner of the UN Women Empowerment Principles ( WEPs ) Awards this year for the Gender-Responsive Category .
There were more than 700 entries from the UN Asia Pacific Region and the Filipino retail company , Bayo , was the one of the five companies who won the top awards with 9 others as runner ups .
In a press release from UN WEPs , Bayo Manila , a company composed of 80 percent women , was one of the local companies
creativity , innovation , and enhances healthy competition amongst businesses in the industry .
On another note , aside from protecting IP rights of MSMEs , PRA also advocates gender equality and women empowerment by joining and collaborating with groups such as the United Nations Women Empowerment Principles ( UN WEPs ) and WomenBizPh Alliance . In a virtual meeting with UN WEPs ’ Philippines Country Manager Lenlen Mesina , PRA established its commitment to support the UN WEPs through advancing gender equality and women empowerment in the business sector , particularly in the local retail industry .
PRA President Rosemarie Ong stated , “ We in the PRA believe that in working together with industry partners , and international organizations , we can quickly solve the pressing matters in addressing Gender Equality and Women Empowerment to attain a holistic development for all because we are able to consider the needs and viewpoints of all stakeholders . Through working together , we are able to set in place more sustainable solutions that will lead us in attaining a more progressive , equitable , and inclusive society .
In addition to the support women empowerment , PRA through the leadership of PRA president Rosemarie B . Ong took an oath as one of the member organizations of WomenBizPh Alliance during the Women Strong Network
that responded to COVID-19 by creating and providing personal protective equipment for healthcare workers at the start of the pandemic .
“ Our platform champions the values of what women can do to make a significant difference in achieving positive change within our company and the communities that we support . Signing the commitment for the Women Empowerment Principles solidifies our intention to contribute to making a better society ” Bayo CEO Anna Marie Lagon shares .
The WEPs or Women ’ s Empowerment Principles were developed by UN Women and UN Global Compact to provide guiding principles for businesses to achieve an equal , inclusive and sustainable future with support from the European Union .
Source : UN Women Asia Pacific
Launch : Building for Innovation and Better Business last December 6 , 2021 via Zoom .
Women ’ s Business Council Philippines , Inc . ( WomenBizPH ) is Composed of the country ’ s top women business leaders and entrepreneurs . It is the leading voice of women in commerce , inspiring and empowering women in the Philippines . It serves as a platform to discuss issues for women in business and possible government policies and solutions .
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