DTI Backs Guimaras Mango Logistics Ahead of Festival

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through its Supply Chain and Logistics Group (SCLG), has launched a strategic dialogue with logistics firms, mango producers, and local officials to strengthen the mango supply chain in time for the 2025 Manggahan Festival.

The initiative, spearheaded by Undersecretary Mary Jean Pacheco and convened by DTI Guimaras Officer-in-Charge Juvy D. Benliro, seeks to improve logistics systems for Guimaras mangoes, widely regarded as among the best in the world.

Held at the Office of the Congressman and warmly received by Provincial Administrator Atty. Carissa Ann Eñano, the meeting brought together key stakeholders from the public and private sectors.

“Our goal is to create a more efficient distribution system that empowers our local mango growers and expands their market access,” said Undersecretary Pacheco.

She emphasized that logistics plays a pivotal role in ensuring high-quality mangoes reach both local consumers and international buyers in peak condition.

DTI Regional Director Rachel N. Nufable expressed strong support, citing that recent groundwork laid by Undersecretary Pacheco helped establish the foundations for this collaborative effort.

“We aim to bring Guimaras mangoes closer to national markets and explore export opportunities that will benefit our local farmers and entrepreneurs,” Nufable said.

The meeting included representatives from leading logistics players such as Airspeed, LBC, RAF Logistics, FAST Logistics, PHLPost, and Shopee Philippines, all of whom presented their capabilities in handling perishable products.

These companies have begun coordinating directly with mango cooperatives and agribusiness suppliers to optimize delivery processes during the Manggahan Festival and beyond.

Provincial Economic Development Officer Sir Francis G. Gentoral and Provincial Agriculturist Sir Alvin L. Nava welcomed the program’s inclusive potential, noting that enhanced logistics can stimulate broader economic development in the province.

“This effort is not just about mangoes—it’s about building a stronger, more connected local economy,” Gentoral said.

Nava added that with better logistics support, farmers will be able to earn more from their harvests and reduce losses caused by delays or poor handling.

Guimaras mangoes have earned a global reputation for their superior sweetness and quality, with strict quarantine controls in place to maintain their pest-free certification for export.

In previous years, the province generated millions in revenue from mango exports and domestic tourism linked to the Manggahan Festival, which celebrates the island’s agricultural heritage.

The dialogue addressed key challenges such as cold-chain limitations, high freight costs, and inconsistent delivery schedules that have affected producers’ ability to expand their markets.