IPOPHL’s top mediator in 2022 proves women’s dedication to serve

For her dedication to Intellectual Property Mediation (IP Mediation), the Intellectual Property Office Philippines’ Bureau of Legal Affairs Alternative Dispute Resolution Services (BLA-ADRS) commends Vilmi Sanchez Quipit for being the top performing mediator for the year 2022.

Quipit settled a total of 32 cases and achieved a settlement rate of 37.5%.  Regarded as one of the pioneer mediators in IPOPHL, Quipit continues to be one of the leading figures in mediation in the Philippines.

Among Quipit’s many achievements was receiving the Peacemaker Award from the Supreme Court for being an outstanding mediator, owing to her high number of settled court cases. In 2010, she was instrumental in the establishment of the IPOPHL Mediation Office wherein she also served as its Executive Director before it was placed under the BLA-ADRS. Quipit later became the first Filipino international mediator of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).  She was also a consultant for Nathan & Associates, U.S.A., serving as an expert intellectual property (IP) mediator for the Department of IP in Vientiane, Laos.

Just before the COVID-19 pandemic, Quipit was chosen as the IPOPHL representative to the European Union IP Organization (EUIPO) Mediation Conference in Alicante, Spain.

For over two decades now, she has been mediating cases at IPOPHL and the courts as she passionately helps in restoring broken relationships between disputing parties, thereby contributing to the speedy disposition of cases and de-clogging of court dockets.

Quipit’s passion in conflict resolution has inspired her to continue sharing her knowledge and experience in mediation even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, serving as a resource speaker in various mediation workshops and trainings sponsored by IPOPHL, the Department of Justice’s Office of the Alternative Dispute Resolution (DOJ-OADR), the Local Government Academy and many others.

“Truly, Quipit is an exceptional person who embodies the qualities of a strong, intelligent, and compassionate woman. She has risen above barriers to make her mark in mediation and ADR. Her hard work and dedication have earned her the respect and admiration of her peers, colleagues, and friends. Not only is Quipit an accomplished professional, but she is also a kind and supportive individual who always encourages and inspires others to reach their full potential,” BLA Director Nathaniel S. Arevalo said.

“In a world that often overlooks or undervalues women’s contributions, Quipit is a beacon of hope and a true inspiration. She is a reminder that anything is possible when you believe in yourself and work hard towards your goals,” BLA Assistant Director Christine V. Pangilinan-Canlapan added.