MDPPA Inducts New Officers

The Board of Directors and Committee Chairmen of the Motorcycle Development Program Participants Association, Inc. (MDPPA) were inducted into office in a simple yet remarkable ceremony on February 18, 2014 at the EDSA Shangri-La Hotel.

The event was made more notable with the presence of MDPPA member-companies presidents and MDPPA past presidents; and distinguished guests from the government: Department of Transportation and Communication, Board of Investments and Intellectual Property Office; industry: Philippines Automotive Federation Association, Chamber of Automotive  Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc., Motorcycle Development Dealers Association and Motorcycle Parts Producers and Exporters Association; and media: Inside Racing and Motorcycle Magazine.

IPO’s Deputy Director General Allan B. Gepty was the guest of honor and inducting official. He started his message by acknowledging the good partnership between IPO and MDPPA in upholding the tenets to push forth responsible exercise of intellectual property rights.

He went on to state that if there is stern effort to combat counterfeiting, one of the models is MDPPA. This was said not because of good camaraderie but because MDPPA is focused and organized in their campaign against counterfeiting in the motorcycle industry, he continued.

All about safety and health are something serious we could advocate on. The IP-Road Safety Awareness Campaign is thus very timely. More road crashes are happening. The investigations should not only focus on the negligence of drivers and operators but seriously look at the use of counterfeit parts that may have caused the accidents.

We need to continue educating the public for them to be enlightened as to the severe effects of patronizing counterfeit items. Education is the most potent strategy to be used to address the problem since we cannot go after the infringers forever. Enforcement is in itself enforcement, all said by Atty. Gepty.

In his address, outgoing president Alfredo O. Lejano, Jr. thanked MDPPA for the privilege of allowing him to represent the Association for the last two years; and proceeded to share the highlights of achievements of the association and the important roles each played.

Ms. Catalina T. Calderon, in accepting the mantle of leadership of the MDPPA, is confident of the future of the organization on its continuous journey to heap on the growth and merit of the motorcycle industry. She set out her goals for the coming year and pledged to continue with the current initiatives in recognition of the strength and vitality of the Association.