GUIMARAS mangoes with the GI seal. (Tara Yap)
ILOILO CITY – Mangoes from the island-province of Guimaras are being exported to the European and Hong Kong markets.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of Agriculture (DA), its attached agencies, and the provincial government of Guimaras have coordinated the shipment of 200 kilos this week.
The European shipment consisted of 100 kilos – 50 kilos each for Belgium and the Netherlands. Another 100 kilos are bound for Hong Kong.
DTI-Guimaras chief Judy Benliro said the initial shipments are part of the Guimaras Mango Test Market Shipment Logistics Feasibility Assessment which will evaluate export logistics and determine market viability.
Guimaras mangoes were chosen as it is the first product in the country that gained a geographical indication (GI), a global seal that means premium products based on the uniqueness of its geographic origins.
Benliro said test shipments had a GI seal and came from the Kokomojo Mango Farm in Sibunag town.
Other collaborators include the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), the Guimaras National Crop Research, Development and Production Support Center, and the Bureau of Customs (BOC).