ILOILO CITY — An P18-million mango processing facility opened Thursday, Sept. 8, in the island province of Guimaras, which is believed to be producing one of the sweetest mango varieties in the country.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the provincial government formally turned over the Guimaras Mango Production, Consolidation, and Marketing Enterprise (GMPCME) to mango farmers in Sibunag.
“We are hoping that this project will strengthen the quality of Guimaras mangoes (for export),” said DA-6 Director Remelyn Recoter.
Guimaras is eyeing to export its sweet mangoes to Europe and the Middle East.
Gov. JC Rahman Nava said that the GMPCME is an avenue for mango growers to set a standard in processing Guimaras mango for export and local consumption.
According to Guimaras Provincial Agriculturist Alvin Nava, the facility aims to reduce post-harvest losses, resulting in improved quality of produce.
The DA-6 and the provincial government urged mango farmers to maintain the facility funded by the government.