ASEAN forum cites Western Visayas for promoting geographical indications
By Tara Yap
THE 1st ASEAN GI Forum and Exhibitions in Iloilo City. (Tara Yap)
An Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) forum has cited Western Visayas as a model for promoting two of the country’s products with geographical indications (GI) – a global seal indicating premium products based on the uniqueness of its geographic origins.
Guimaras mangoes and Aklan piña (pineapple) fiber were cited in the 1st ASEAN GI Forum in Iloilo City hosted by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), an agency of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
“Western Visayas has long been among the pioneers in promoting geographical indications in the Philippines,” said IPOPHL Director General Teodoro C. Pascua.
The sweet mangoes of Guimaras were the first GI certified Filipino product following its registration in 2023. IPOPHL attributed the mangoes’ unique sweet taste to the island province’s soil, topography, and climate.
The Aklan piña fiber obtained its GI registration in 2025. The GI registration complemented the inclusion of Aklan piña handloom weaving in the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
With the theme SynerGI: Building Alliances for Sustainable GI Development, the May 13 to 15 forum gathered representatives from other ASEAN member states, the European Union (EI), and other organizations to strengthen alliances in pushing for stronger GI communities.