PRM Gets Awarded at the Gawad Yamang Isip Awards

Last April 25, 2025, the entire PRM team graced Seda Manila Bay to accept the recognition from the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL). This was a distinguished awards night as people from various industries attended, donning their best Filipiniana attire. This year, as IPOPHL focuses on intellectual property and music, everyone with significant and impactful contributions to the industry is part of the roster of champions for this year’s Gawad Yamang Isip.

PRM is part of the IP citation for partners. Included in this list are organizations that have been supporting and pushing for intellectual property. From universities, to media outlets, to government agencies, to private companies, to other NGOs, everyone had their representatives.

The awards night started with the opening remarks from Director General (DG), Atty. Brigitte da Costa-Villaluz. She mentioned that all the awardees, “Sila ang mga nagpakita ng kagalingan sa paggamit ng intellectual property or IP system, at nagbigay ng malaking ambag sa buhay ng mga Pilipino sa pamamagitan ng pagyabong ng kanilang mga IP assets” (They were the ones who have showcased their expertise in using intellectual property or IP system, and have provided major contribution to the lives of Filipinos by enriching their IP assets). She also stressed out that, “According to the National Research Council of the Philippines, in 2024, the time spent by Filipinos listening to music is at an average of 126 minutes, this is said to be longest spent in the world. If you use the platforms properly, through pay platforms, it will translate to, not only proper renumeration to creators, musicians, and performers, but also a contribution to the economy.”

Next part of the event was a special speech from the DTI Secretary, Hon. Ma. Cristina Roque. She stressed multiple times the value of music and the entire creative economy to our country. She cited, “The industry contributed 3% to our country’s GDP in 2024, this represents 8.7% surge, translating to P1.94 Trillion from the previous year. Moreover, this generated 7.51 Million Jobs last year.” Overall, her turn on the stage gave us all a clear view on why music should be prioritized, especially in terms of giving credit where credit is due, which has been PRM’s mantra from the get-go.

During the awarding proper. IPOPHL awarded individuals, partners, artists, and celebrities who have massive breakthroughs in building up intellectual property. Every single awardee had their proud moment but when it was PRM’s turn, everybody was amazed with the full force! The host said, “PRM deserves this recognition as PRM has been a generous partner in promoting and protecting the local music scene, particularly the musicians and performers. They have been strong stewards in pushing for intellectual property.”

Alongside PRM, our partners, Atty. Marivic Benedicto, the Head of Music Publishing and New Media for Star Music, and Mr. Bernie Refuerzo of Soundsright were also awarded. Big leagues in the industry such as Lea Salonga, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, and Rey Valera who personally accepted his award and gave everyone a sample of his musical talent, were also included in this year’s IP Champions.

This is a testament to how serious PRM is in its mission, that even the biggest and most notable artists of the country will be protected by PRM. And that we’re all pushing for intellectual property to protect music, which we’re all passionate about.

Let’s hope that in the near future, more and more people, organizations, and establishments will be part of this movement, even after the highlight or theme for music is over.

For more updates on PRM’s activities, visit the following:

Facebook and LinkedIn: Philippines Recorded Music Rights

For inquiries regarding music intellectual property, email info@prm.com.ph.