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| Shown in photo, L-R: Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) Deputy Director General Ann Claire Cabochan; GMA Network's newest "Stream Responsibly, Fight Piracy" campaign ambassador, "Black Rider" Ruru Madrid; GMA Network Senior Vice President for Programming, Talent Management, Worldwide and Support Group and GMA Pictures Inc. President and CEO Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes; GMA Network First Vice President and Head of International Operations Joseph T. Francia (Image Source: Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines/GMA Network) |
The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) joined GMA Network in celebrating the successful run of the latter’s “Stream Responsibly, Fight Piracy“ campaign which recently marked its first year in denouncing piracy and promoting legitimate ways for consuming copyrighted works. “GMA’s commitment sets a shining example for the industry, inspiring others to join the crusade against piracy and champion the cause of ethical and original content consumption,” said IPOPHL deputy director general Ann Claire Cabochan at the oath-taking ceremony of Ruru Madrid as the newest ambassador of the Kapuso network's anti-piracy campaign held last January 11, 2024 at its headquarters in Quezon City.
Now taking crimefighting from reel to real, the “Black Rider” main star and Sparkle artist is the latest Kapuso talent to join the broadcast media company’s ongoing campaign to protect the rights of content creators and foster a culture of respect for intellectual property. As an ambassador, part of Ruru’s responsibilities is to uphold the principles and ideals of GMA’s drive against digital piracy. Fans can look forward to his active participation in events pertaining to the Network’s campaign. Madrid's oath-taking was administered by GMA Network's Senior Vice President for Programming, Talent Management, Worldwide and Support Group and GMA Pictures Inc. President and CEO Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes with several network officials and guests witnessing the occasion.
“Taking on the role of an anti-piracy ambassador is a significant commitment towards protecting creative content and intellectual property rights. Your dedication to this cause sets a powerful example for others. Remember, IP education and awareness are keys in this fight against piracy. Your efforts will surely make a difference in safeguarding the hard work and ingenuity of creators and artists like you,” said Cabochan who also took stock of another cause for celebration for the creative industries: the new record gross receipts of Php1.07B garnered at the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2023 as of January 9, 2024. According to Cabochan, these hard-earned revenues by artists would have fetched heftier amounts were it not for the pirated activities that proliferated on social media at the height of the MMFF. “Our IP Rights Enforcement Office (IEO) has been receiving reports that pirated copies of these movies are made available online already. Reports of piracy-related incidents during the MMFF are distressing and undermine the hard work and creativity of filmmakers. It’s disheartening to witness these illegal activities that not only violate intellectual property rights but also harm the entire film industry,” she said. Cabochan said the Supplemental Rules on Voluntary Administrative Site-Blocking, that will take effect on January 24, 2024, would alleviate the problem of digital piracy. IPOPHL also emphasized the role of consumers in acknowledging and respecting the hard work and creativity of creators by consuming their works legally.
Aside from the first year anniversary of its anti-piracy campaign, GMA Network also celebrated the first year anniversary of its partnership with Alliance for Creativity & Entertainment (ACE), the world’s largest and most effective anti-piracy coalition which has over 50 global members with GMA as its first member from the Philippines. Recalling the broadcast media company’s efforts in strengthening its anti-piracy capabilities, GMA First Vice President and Head of International Operations Joseph T. Francia shared the importance of involving the audience and the responsibility GMA must undertake, saying, “We should be able, as a Network, to promote the value of intellectual property." More Kapuso talents are expected to join the fight against online piracy in 2024 as GMA broadens the campaign’s reach through fresh and innovative measures that will also get audiences to participate.
