The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is implementing a comprehensive strategy to actively promote Guimaras Mangoes to a broader market while preserving its unique status as the first and currently the only registered Philippine product with a Geographical Indication (GI).
Guimaras Mangoes GI status places the Philippine fruit in an exclusive global category, akin to the esteemed Cognac of France, Scotch whisky from Scotland, and Parmigiano Reggiano from Italy.
This GI recognition affirms the distinct quality, reputation, and specific characteristics of the Guimaras mangoes—most notably, their unparalleled sweetness, characteristic shape, and vibrant color—all attributed to Guimaras province’s unique environment and traditional farming practices.
“The GI status of Guimaras Mangoes is a testament to the exceptional quality and unique heritage of this Philippine treasure,” DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque said.
Comprehensive strategy
To further leverage this significant GI status, the DTI is implementing a comprehensive strategy. This involves expanding the distribution of Guimaras Mangoes to broader markets through market access programs, all while preserving their authenticity.
Additionally, promotion and awareness campaigns are underway to educate consumers about the significance of the GI seal, highlighting its representation of quality, traceability, and cultural value.
The DTI is also committed to providing robust support for local farmers, empowering Guimaras mango growers with capacity-building programs, technical assistance, and guidance to ensure compliance with the the GI standards.
“The DTI is committed to working hand-in-hand with Guimaras farmers to promote and protect this distinction, ensuring that consumers can enjoy the authentic taste of Guimaras Mangoes while supporting the sustainable growth of our local industries,” the trade chief added.
The strategy also aims to provide consumers with assurance of authenticity and high quality, while simultaneously preventing unfair competition from imitation products.
The DTI, through IPOPHL, continues to collaborate with other government agencies to strengthen the protection and promotion of the Philippine GI. These concerted effort aims to foster economic development and safeguard the country’s rich cultural and agricultural heritage.
The DTI underscores that this designation safeguards the premium value and identity of Guimaras Mango in domestic and international markets. Ultimately, this uplifts local farmers, boosts regional economic growth, and preserves the country’s rich agricultural traditions.
Guimaras Mangoes GI journey
After applying in November 2022, the Guimaras Mango Growers and Producers Development Cooperative (GMGPDC) application was approved by IPOPHL on May 13, 2023 after passing the Bureau of Trademarks’ (BOT) thorough examination process.
During the month-long publication period that followed to allow for third-party protests, the association also did not face any concerns of possible damage to an existing trademark.
A GI serves as a marketing tool that accentuates a product’s distinctiveness and appealing narratives. A GI seal certifies a link between the quality, characteristics and reputation of a product and its geographical source. These factors may have been shaped due to environmental influences, such as soil and climate, or human factors, such as tradition and local know-how.
In its Manual of Specifications (MOP) for Guimaras Mangoes — a primary requirement to its registration as a collective mark in 2017 and even today as a GI – the GMGPDC describes their fruit as a typical “Carabao” mango variety. It is shaped like an ellipsoid with a rounded crown and an oblong end that features a distinct broad shoulder and full cheek weighing an average of 160 grams or more. Its flesh is meaty, smooth, firm, juicy and non-fibrous. It is also thin-seeded, making over 80 percent of the fruit edible.
Its tagline, “the sweetest mango,” is also proven by the Total Soluble Solids (TSS) test conducted by the Bureau of Plant and Industry – Guimaras National Crop Research, Development, and Production Support Center. The TSS is measured by Brix or the grams of soluble solids — mainly sugar compounds — per 100 grams of solution. Guimaras Mangoes yield a sweetness of at least 16° Brix, considered above average.
These qualities are attributed to the province’s calcareous soil, which is abundant in calcium and magnesium and ensures proper drainage. Calcium is increasingly recognized as a key factor in mango production, influencing both quality and yield. The province’s topography, characterized by moderate undulations, rolling to steep slopes and varying elevation, also proves suitable for cultivating the “Carabao” mango variety.
Climate likewise plays a crucial role in the mango production, as highlighted in the MOP. The absence of rain during the flowering period is critical to prevent pollen from washing away and mitigating risks of infestation. Rain also disrupts the activity of pollinating insects, negatively affecting the fruit set. To ensure optimal conditions, the province plants between June and November. The peak harvest season occurs in May and is celebrated through the Manggahan Festival.
The MOP also laid out several practices relating to soil management and other pre-planting preparations up to post-harvest handling, packing and storage. It also detailed the rules and standards on product labeling, control and traceability which association members should adhere to maintain use of the GI seal.
Guimaras Mangoes are produced across the entire island province of Guimaras which is comprised of five municipalities — Jordan, Buenavista, San Lorenzo, Sibunag and Nueva Valencia.
While it may have taken the association less than a year to secure protection, the first steps toward GI trace back to 2013 when it first worked with the European Union under the Trade-Related Technical Assistance Project and consulted with IPOPHL.
