Aklan Piña earns geographical indication certification

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The province of Aklan formally received its Certificate of Geographical Indication (GI) for Aklan Piña during an awarding ceremony held on September 19, 2025, at the Marzon Convention Center in Andagaw, Kalibo, Aklan.

The recognition was presented by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), led by Director General Atty. Brigitte M. Da Costa-Villaluz and Atty. Jesus Antonio Z. Ros of the Bureau of Trademarks.

The certificate was received by Anna India C. Legaspi, president of the Aklan Piña and Indigenous Fibers Manufacturers and Traders Association, Inc. (Aklan Piña Mantra).

The event was witnessed by representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 6, including OIC-Regional Director Ma. Dinda R. Tamayo and OIC-Assistant Regional Director Mutya Eusores, along with provincial directors from Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, and Iloilo.

Also in attendance were representatives from national government agencies, local government units, the academe, industry partners such as the Aklan Fashion Designers Association, Inc. (AFDA) and the Fashion Designers Council of Aklan Philippines, Inc. (FDCAPI), Aklanon micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), piña weavers, media partners, and the DTI Aklan Provincial Office team.

DTI Aklan Provincial Director Romel L. Amihan welcomed the attendees and expressed gratitude for the strong collaboration among stakeholders that led to this achievement.

In his inspirational message, DTI Assistant Secretary for Regional Operations Dominic R. Tolentino Jr. emphasized the broader value of GIs, describing them as marks of pride, craftsmanship, cultural identity, and regional economic development.

Messages of support were delivered by Senator Loren Legarda, TESDA Secretary Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez, Rep. Jesus R. Marquez of Aklan’s 1st District, Rep. Florencio T. Miraflores of the 2nd District, Kalibo Mayor Juris B. Sucro, and Gabrielle “Billie” Calizo-Quimpo, federation director of Soroptimist International.

A geographical indication is any sign that identifies a product as originating from a specific territory, region, or locality where its quality, reputation, or characteristics are essentially linked to its geographical origin and/or human factors.

The Aklan Piña GI is the third granted in the Philippines and the second in Western Visayas, following Guimaras Mangoes.