Caraga State University (CSU) proudly announces that its emblematic sculpture, the Golden Paddlers, has been officially registered with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL). Designed by Professor Joey Arles O. Vergara, the industrial design was formally registered on March 27, 2026, with the protection term extending until February 2030.
The Certificate of Registration, signed by Ms. Maria Cristina P. De Guzman, OIC-Director of the Bureau of Patents, was issued on April 17, 2026. This registration grants CSU the exclusive legal authority to restrain and prohibit any unauthorized person or entity from manufacturing, using, selling, or importing the design.
The Golden Paddlers is a deeply symbolic work that draws inspiration from historic Agusan. It serves as a tribute to the region’s international identity as the home of the Balangay and its ancient legacy as a premier center for gold and metallurgy. The sculpture further echoes the cultural significance of the Golden Tara, bridging the gap between CSU’s modern academic mission and the region’s rich ancestral “treasure.” The name Golden Paddlers also serves as a moniker representing the students, alumni, active employees, and retirees of the university.
Moreover, Golden Paddler serves as the central metaphor for CSU’s institutional integration, symbolizing a unified workforce (“One Boat”) that harmonizes the university’s cultural identity with the Hiraya ’28 vision to navigate the complexities of a “national innovation university” through collective, purpose-driven action.
