FILCOLS Joins Partners in QC's Inclusive White Cane Month Celebration for Readers with Print Disabilities

 

FILCOLS Joins Partners in QC's Inclusive White Cane Month Celebration for Readers with Print Disabilities

In support of making books accessible to those with a print disability, Regina Reyna "Reg" V. Pastor, membership officer of the Filipinas Copyright Licensing Society, Inc. (FILCOLS), addressed participants at the Quezon City executive hall during the White Cane Month event on August 14.

Reg Pastor explains the advantages of being a member of FILCOLS. 
Photo by Shai Gondra.

“Copyright is very important for creators,” said Pastor before the group composed of the visually impaired and their guardians, authors, publishers, and QC government staff. “The authors must be properly recognized like giving proper attribution and just remuneration if their works are used on a large-scale like photocopying and digital copying inside institutions.”

“For FILCOLS we protect the reproduction rights of authors so if you have a book, you may join us. Membership is free,” she added.

Candy Gourlay shares how she got rejected many times as a Filipino author in the UK.
Photo by Shai Gondra.

Award-winning author Candy Gourlay supported Pastor’s invitation and said she is also a member of a similar copyright society in the United Kingdom. The London-based author talked about her writing life and gave away CDs of her work “Tall Story” for the Quezon City Public Library.

White Cane Month is a national celebration made possible by RA 6759, a law crafted during the presidency of Corazon Aquino.

Candy Gourlay with the lucky participants who each received a copy of her book.
Photo by Shai Gondra.

The law aims to “promote and protect the physical, moral, and social well-being of all handicapped persons, such as the blind, and to undertake studies on specific causes of the high percentage of blind people in the Philippines.”

QC executive hall with participants celebrating White Cane Month.
Photo by Shai Gondra.

FILCOLS is one of the groups tapped by Wowie Catabijan, FILCOLS trustee and Kahel Press officer, to coordinate the event's organization to celebrate White Cane Month. The other groups are Kahel Press, Bookshare Philippines, the Philippine Blind Union, and the Persons with Disability Affairs Office of the Quezon City Government.

To view more photos, please click the link to Kahel Press FB below:

https://www.facebook.com/kahelpress/posts/pfbid0czTxZ6dpmMRHB9gRgsi2be4cJpq5g6FnS15L9WNJa4Vac4Cb7odLMcwNcx1AbZ78l

 

The authors allow the reposting of the unaltered article along with photos provided the following is included at the end:

Text by Alvin J. Buenaventura. Photos by Shai Gondra. For more information, please visit http://filcols.blogspot.com

 

 

FILCOLS Shares Response of Authors, Visual Artists on the Rise of AI at the National Summit of the Analytics Association of the Philippines

 

FILCOLS and AAP. (Clockwise, from top left) Prof. Art Patungan, UST; Angela Chen-Delantar, moderator and founder of Eskwelabs; Prof. Abet Ongkingco, DLS-CSB; Prof. Michelle Alarcon, AAP president; Alvin J. Buenaventura, FILCOLS; and Prof. Robert Besana, APC. 

FILCOLS Shares Response of Authors, Visual Artists on the Rise of AI at the National Summit of the Analytics Association of the Philippines

The National Summit of the Analytics Association of the Philippines (AAP) focused on the effects of the rise of AI on various industries. The Filipinas Copyright Licensing Society, Inc. (FILCOLS) participated in the panel on the reactions of authors and visual artists in the book publishing industry to the coming of Generative AI tools on June 22 via Zoom.

FILCOLS executive director Alvin J. Buenaventura said that many authors look at AI as tools to help them in their writing projects. “We have members who use the premium version of ChatGPT to help them generate ideas for world-building and character profiles,” he added.

However, visual artists are more affected by image-generating AIs. According to Liza Flores, who was interviewed by Buenaventura prior to the summit, many visual artists are unhappy and do not support the use of these tools.

Some call image-generating AIs “extremely dangerous” because they are prone to be misused. If they are used for a long time, the artists end up not using their creative muscles and eventually just relying on images generated by AI.

Flores is a long-time member and past president of the Ilustrador ng Kabataan (INK), the country’s first and only organization dedicated to children’s books artists.

The AAP “is the enabling organization formed to take the lead in driving the growth and evolution of Analytics and Artificial Intelligence in the Philippines.”

FILCOLS is the organization established in 2008 to support the Philippine book publishing industry as the national collective management organization for text and images.

The full videos of the two-day event may be viewed via this link,

https://www.facebook.com/AnalyticsAndAIAssociationOfThePhilippines/videos/2484091618419079

Text by Alvin J. Buenaventura. This article may be re-posted as long as the author is acknowledged.

FILCOLS and CCP Collab: Empower KADIPAN members with Reading Materials, Information on Copyright and AI at the TALAB 2023 in PNU

 

FILCOLS and CCP Collab: Empower KADIPAN members with Reading Materials, Information on Copyright and AI at the TALAB 2023 in PNU

Despite the threat of Tropical Storm Chedeng, the Filipinas Copyright Licensing Society, Inc. (FILCOLS) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) displayed remarkable determination. They met on June 7 at the Philippine Normal University in Manila, undeterred by the adverse weather, to celebrate TALAB 2023 alongside the PNU’s Kapisang Diwa at Panitik (KADIPAN) members.

Bebang Siy made a presentation on the free learning resources available online which were created by government cultural agencies.

“Learning resources like stories, articles, drawings, images, and videos are free to download to supplement the materials being used by educational institutions like the Philippine Normal University,” Siy said.

Siy is an officer at the CCP and a member of the board of FILCOLS.

FILCOLS executive director Alvin J. Buenaventura made a presentation via recorded video on copyright, artificial intelligence, and the work of a collective management organization (CMO) like FILCOLS.

“Authors are strongly encouraged to join FILCOLS so that we can protect their reproduction rights,” Buenaventura said. “Institutions that reuse copyrighted works via photocopying and digital copying on a large scale should get a license from FILCOLS to legalize their use. In turn, the remuneration we collect is distributed to our member authors and publishers.”

He explained the rise of AI especially generative AI which produces text, images, and videos. And that students should use them responsibly.

During the open forum, Buenaventura answered some of the questions through the Messenger communications app.

CCP, FILCOLS, and PNU-KADIPAN. Photo by Shai Gondra.

After the presentations, Siy formally turned over to PNU KADIPAN the reading materials collected by the CCP. Reg Pastor and Shai Gondra represented FILCOLS at the event. They turned over to the officers of KADIPAN the reading materials donated through the efforts of FILCOLS.

Established in 1966, the CCP is the leading government institution for arts and culture in the Philippines. FILCOLS is the only CMO organized in 2008 to support the book publishing industry.

Text by Alvin J. Buenaventura. Photo by Shai Gondra. Text and photo may be re-posted as long as the authors are acknowledged.

Visit the CCP FB to read the article written by Rajah Mekah Navarro

https://www.facebook.com/CCPIntertextualDivision/posts/567799685527355?ref=embed_post

FILCOLS at the World Book and Copyright Day Celebrations

 

FILCOLS at the World Book and Copyright Day Celebrations

In celebration of World Book and Copyright Day the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) organized the event with the theme “Gender Equality in Creativity: Celebrating Women Empowerment” on April 25 via Zoom.

Women prominent in the Philippine creative sector were the presenters and focus of the online event.

Bebang Siy, a FILCOLS trustee, made a presentation on the struggles of women writers as they balance family life with their writing commitments. She also highlighted the book launched during the pandemic In Certain Seasons: Mothers Write in the Time of Covid.

Here is the link to the full video of the event, https://fb.watch/nkkFB0qSUp/

 

Text by Alvin J. Buenaventura. This may be re-posted as long as the author is acknowledged.

FILCOLS Joins IFRRO Asia-Pacific Committee Regional Gathering to Foster Collaboration and Mentorship

FILCOLS and CCC in Singapore. (l-r) Reg Pastor, membership officer, Michael Healy, international relations chief of the Copyright Clearance Center (USA), and Bebang Siy, trustee.
Photo by Sarah Tran.

FILCOLS Joins IFRRO Asia-Pacific Committee Regional Gathering to Foster Collaboration and Mentorship

The Filipinas Copyright Licensing Society, Inc. (FILCOLS) represented by trustee Bebang Siy and membership officer Reg Pastor showed its commitment to collaborate with its neighbors at the Asia Pacific Committee (APC) gathering held in Singapore from April 12 to 14.

The event, which marked the first in-person gathering of collective management organization (CMO) representatives since the pandemic, was hosted by the International Federation of Reproduction Rights Organizations (IFRRO) and the Copyright Licensing and Administration Society of Singapore (CLASS) at the Jen Hotel Orchardgateway.

The regional meeting not only fostered discussions on CMO challenges and developments but also inaugurated the IFRRO-ASEAN Mentorship Program, with a focus on bolstering CMO operations in Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. FILCOLS played a dual role as both a participant at the gathering and a mentee, reinforcing its dedication to regional cooperation and growth.

Reg Pastor presented the National Report to more than 40 delegates from ASEAN countries, including Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, and the United States of America. Also present were representatives of the Singaporean government.

Pastor highlighted the developments in the licensing agreement with the Department of Education and the proposed legislation on intellectual property rights specifically copyright and extended collective license (ECL).

Bebang Siy presented the status of piracy and counterfeiting in the country including responses from the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) and the private sector.

Despite his inability to physically participate in the gathering, FILCOLS executive director Alvin J. Buenaventura provided full support by arranging with IFRRO a travel grant for Siy and Pastor so they could fly and stay in Singapore for free. He also researched and prepared the reports and presentations of the two representatives.

Read more through this link, CLASS (class-singapore.com)

Text by Alvin J. Buenaventura. Photo by Sarah Tran. Text and photo may be re-posted as long as the authors are acknowledged.

 

FILCOLS Joins Creative Sector Gathering at 2nd Creative Industries Summit

 

Grand opening of the 2nd Creative Industries Summit with the guests in their
best Filipiniana attires. Photo by Alvin J. Buenaventura.

FILCOLS Joins Creative Sector Gathering at 2nd Creative Industries Summit

 

Marking the significance of the Creative Industries Act, FILCOLS took part in the 2nd Philippine Creative Industries Summit. This collaborative event, organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), unfolded at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City on March 7-8.

 

With the theme “Unifying Creative Agenda, Elevating Filipino Creativity,” the two-day event gathered the heads and representatives of the nine creative domains: audio and audiovisual media; digital interactive media; books, publishing, and printed media; creative services; design; visual arts; performing arts; traditional cultural expressions; and cultural sites.

(l-r) FILCOLS staff Shaira Gondra, membership officer Reg Pastor, vice chair Atty. Andrea Pasion-Flores, and executive director Alvin J. Buenaventura at the 2^nd Creative Industries Summit, Philippine International Convention Center, Pasay City.
Photo by Kassy Lei.

The FILCOLS team composed of Alvin J. Buenaventura, Reg Pastor, and Shaira Gondra represented the publishing domain. Also, present at the event was Atty. Andrea Pasion-Flores, president of the Book Publishing Association of the Philippines and vice chair of FILCOLS.

 

FILCOLS Staff with Congressman Christopher "Toff" De Venecia (Pangasinan 4th District), one of the main proponents of the newly minted Philippine Creative Industries Development Law. Photo by Kassy Lei.

You may watch the full videos of the event through these links,

Day 1 https://fb.watch/nkqcJ8hkuK/

Day 2 https://fb.watch/nkqgUHjeRt/

 

Text by Alvin J. Buenaventura. Photos by AJB and Kassy Lei. Text and photos may be re-posted as long as the authors are acknowledged.

 

FILCOLS Supports the Launch of The Written Property: A Freelance Writer’s Guide to Copyright

 

FILCOLS Supports the Launch of The Written Property: A Freelance Writer’s Guide to Copyright

To make copyright accessible to non-lawyers, the Freelance Writers Guild of the Philippines (FWGP) and the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) launched the e-book The Written Property: A Freelance Writer’s Guide to Copyright on March 4 via Zoom.

Atty. Emerson Cuyo said that among the numerous proposals submitted to the Copyright Plus Program during the pandemic, the proposal for a book on copyright for freelance writers is unique.

Cuyo is the head of IPOPHL’s Bureau of Copyright and Related Rights (BCRR).

“The Copyright Plus is a flagship program of the BCRR that aims to cater to the copyright-related needs specifically of the unserved, underserved, and minority groups or persons of the creative community,” he added.

Gifted Pinay teen Sam Benwick. Photo by Ann Benwick.

To add a bit of lightness to the heavy topic of copyright, an intermission number was provided by young copyright creator Sam Benwick. She sang “Confession,” her newly released song. At 19, Sam is a gifted composer, lyricist, arranger, and singer-performer of her many songs. The talented Pinay teen is the creator of Sarah Geronimo’s latest song “Sansinukob, Salamat.”

Many experts cooperated to complete the book

FWGP gathered writers, researchers, and other resource persons to contribute to the completion of the book.

“To the entire community of freelance writers, this work is for you. We hope that this will help you in your practice,” said Aimee Morales, founder of the Freelance Writers Guild of the Philippines and co-editor of the book.

FILCOLS executive director Alvin J. Buenaventura was tapped as one of the resource persons for the book. “Congratulations to the FWGP and BCRR for coming up with a book that will guide freelance writers in navigating the complex world of copyright and publishing,” he said during the online book launch.

 

Buenaventura added that respect for IP especially copyright is of utmost importance because it is the foundation stone of our emerging creative economy.

“The Written Property is a gift from experienced writers to aspiring ones. May this book find its audience and teach them to understand the value of their work so that they can change their lives and not settle for spare change,” said Atty. Mark Robert Dy, co-editor of the book.

The ebook copy costs PHP 199 and the print copy costs PHP 600. To get The Written Property, you may order via the FWGP Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/fwgp.org

You may watch the full video of the book launch through this link, https://www.facebook.com/fwgp.org/videos/146705974625714

You may also support our young Pinay creator Sam Benwick via her SocMed links:

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/2Zsn09Mt6kHdipblDeVaF9?si=GrdzQsltTji9PPm-Yy5T8Q

 

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/sambenwick

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sambenwick/?hl=en

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@sambenwick?lang=en

 

 

Text by Alvin J. Buenaventura. Photos by FWGP and Ann Benwick. Text and photos may be re-posted as long as the authors are acknowledged.