The Bureau of Customs (BOC), under the leadership of Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno, marked a historic milestone in Philippine trade by facilitating the country’s first-ever direct export of Guimaras Geographical Indication (GI) mangoes to the European market through the Port of Iloilo.
The shipment consists of 100 kilograms of premium mangoes, which was officially dispatched during a send-off ceremony on June 10, 2026, at Guimaras Wonders Farm in Alaguisoc, Jordan, Guimaras. Bound for Belgium as its primary port of entry, the cargo is slated for distribution across Germany, France, Spain, and the Netherlands.
Commissioner Nepomuceno commended the Port of Iloilo, headed by District Collector Noli P. Santua Jr., for ensuring the seamless processing of the export cargo while maintaining strict compliance with international customs regulations. Ms. Evelyn U. Jalando-on, Chief of the Export Division, represented the Port of Iloilo during the official send-off.
“Ang milestone na ito ay patunay na kapag nagkakaisa ang pamahalaan, local producers, at ang private sector, mas napapalawak ang oportunidad para sa ating mga produktong Pilipino, gaya ng Guimaras mangoes, na makapasok sa pandaigdigang merkado. Natutuwa ako at binabati ko ang Port of Iloilo sa kanilang mahusay at maayos na pagproseso ng export shipment na ito, alinsunod sa international trade standards. Sa BOC, patuloy nating susuportahan ang mga produktong lokal upang mas makilala at makapasok pa sa mas malawak na global market,” Commissioner Nepomuceno said.
Guided by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., the successful shipment underscores the growing capacity of Philippine agricultural products to meet stringent global standards for quality, food safety, and phytosanitary requirements. It also highlights the increasing global demand for high-value, regionally branded produce such as Guimaras mangoes, which are recognized for their distinct quality and taste.
This milestone was made possible through the strong collaboration of key stakeholders, including the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Guimaras Provincial Office, DTI Supply Chain and Logistics Group, Philippine Trade and Investment Center–Brussels, Bureau of Customs – Port of Iloilo, Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Plant Industry Region VI, Guimaras Provincial Government, Airspeed Philippines, and Guimaras Wonders Farm.
Building on this development, the Port of Iloilo is also preparing to support expanded market access for Western Visayas agricultural products through a proposed regular direct air cargo export route from Iloilo International Airport to Hong Kong. The program, led by Kokomojo Mango Farm Corp., targets an annual export volume of approximately 50 metric tons of fresh Guimaras Carabao mangoes and processed products.
The planned operation is expected to handle three to four shipments per week, averaging 100 kilograms per shipment. The direct route is envisioned to reduce transit time, preserve product quality, and lower logistics costs, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of regional producers in the international market.
This initiative is aligned with Commissioner Nepomuceno’s institutional directives under the Integrity, Accountability, and Modernization (IAM) New BOC Movement, which promotes transparent, efficient, and modernized customs operations in support of legitimate trade.
The Bureau of Customs reaffirms its commitment to working with exporters, local producers, and partner regulatory agencies to enhance border efficiency, support regional economic development, and strengthen the global presence of Philippine products.
