Philippines Accedes to Treaty Strengthening Performers’ Rights, Advances Interests of Filipino Musicians, Singers, Actors, Performers

Permanent Representative of the Philippines to Geneva Ambassador Evan P. Garcia (left) deposits the Philippine instrument of accession to the Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances to WIPO Director General Daren Tang (right). (Geneva PM photo)

GENEVA 30 April 2021 – The Philippines, through the Permanent Representative of the Philippines to Geneva Ambassador Evan P. Garcia, deposited its instrument of accession to the Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances (BTAP) on 28 April 2021. Ambassador Garcia personally handed the instrument of accession to World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Director General Darren Tang at WIPO Headquarters. 

The Treaty seeks to boost the protection of intellectual property (IP) rights of Filipino audiovisual performances in the digital era where current and emerging global technologies and trends justify enhanced cross-border protection. The creative and audiovisual sector is expected to make significant inroads in the recovery efforts during and after pandemic, as well as raise the country’s international profile and cultural esteem.

“With the accession of the Philippines to the BTAP, the Philippines guarantees the expansion of the protection given to its musicians, singers, actors, and performers providing them a uniform and effective umbrella of protection critical in an ever-shifting world,” Ambassador Garcia said in his statement highlighting the benefit of the treaty to Filipino audiovisual performers and that of the 40 growing number of countries party to the Treaty.  

“This is very timely as the Philippine creative economy was severely harmed in 2020, as the entertainment industry slid to a virtual standstill with significant decrease in revenues resulting in loss of livelihood due to the extended lockdown.  We are hoping that the country will bounce back and that the PH creative industry will significantly contribute in our journey to recovery,” the Ambassador added. END

Permanent Representative of the Philippines to Geneva Ambassador Evan P. Garcia (second from left) exchange views and discuss Philippine intellectual property issues with WIPO Director General DarenTang (third from left) and WIPO officials. Also, in photo, from left to right: Minister Felipe Cariño III of the Permanent Mission of the Philippines, Deputy Director General of the Regional and National Development Sector, Mr. Hasan Kleib, and Director for Asia and the Pacific, Mr. Andrew Michael Ong. (Geneva PM photo)

For more information, visit https://www.genevapm.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHinGenevaUN/.