Guimaras mangoes first in Phl to get geographical indicator seal

Guimaras mangoes is the first Philippine product to get its own geographical indicator (G.I.).

The certificate of G.I. registration was conferred to the Provincial Government of Guimaras and the Guimaras Mango Growers and Producers Development Cooperative in a ceremony held last May 22-23, 2023 at Makati Diamond Residences in Makati City along with the National Geographical Indications Forum.

Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) Deputy Director General Ann Claire Cabochan said that a product with geographical indicator is unique to a certain locality.

She added that the uniqueness maybe due to geographic location or how people in the locality produced a certian product.

The certificate was received by Provincial Economic Development Officer Mr. Francisco E. Gentoral; Ms. Joegin Galvez, Senior Agriculturist and Provincial Mango Focal Person; Mr. Felipe Gamarcha, General Manager, Guimaras Mango Growers and Producers Development Cooperative; and Ms. Elena V. Quezon, former Provincial Economic Development Officer.

Geographical Indications is an initiative of IPOPHL to promote the effective use of intellectual property rights, particularly, GI, as a strategic business tool to further enhance the competitive advantage of the country’s indigenous and distinctive products.

Guimaras mangoes dubbed as “sweetest in the world” has unique quality and characteristics attributed to the topography of the island.

The moderately undulating and rolling to steeply sloping topography and elevation of the province is highly suited for growing “carabao” mangoes which is the variety produced by the island province.