Guimaras Mangoes GI Workshop Sparks Value Chain Gains

An evaluation workshop for the first Philippine Geographical Indication (GI) – Guimaras Mangoes – was held June 25, 2025, in Guimaras.

The event, led by REDD Association consultants Peter Damary and Patrick Belisario, focused on defining upcoming activities to advance the GI for Guimaras Mangoes.

Participants reviewed a detailed value chain analysis of the local mango industry to pinpoint gaps and propose solutions with input from government and industry leaders.

The initiative supports the recent joint mission by IPOPHL, DTI, AFD and DA aimed at boosting agricultural competitiveness and farmer incomes through GI use.

“Distinctions like these … will definitely add to the popularity of the Guimaras mangoes,” said Arjel de Guzman of OPTMARKS, noting that GI registration enhances market appeal and protects reputation.

Guimaras Mangoes became the Philippines’ first registered GI in May 2023, certifying unique qualities tied to the island’s soil, climate and traditional methods.

The province’s calcareous soil, ideal topography and dry flowering season give the “Carabao” mango variety its signature sweetness and texture.

GMGPDC President Felipe Z. Gamarcha previously expressed hopes that the GI seal could double local prices and increase farmer income.

Concerns over possible infringements—mangoes falsely labeled as Guimaras—were raised during the workshop, echoing past issues where traders misled consumers.

To resolve this, IPOPHL and Trustee officials are considering legislation that would criminalize GI violation, allowing swift enforcement.

Guimaras regularly hosts the month-long Manggahan Festival each May, celebrating its mango harvest and agriculture tourism.

The June workshop included OIC Juvy Benliro (DTI Guimaras), DA and DA-AMAD Region 6 agrarians, BPI, IP-regional bureau, and Guimaras Mango Growers Cooperative officers.

A follow-up session in July 2025 will finalise an action plan and define the next steps in the GI implementation.

BACKGROUND

A geographical indication (GI) is a certification linking a product’s quality, reputation or other characteristics to its place of origin, much like Champagne or Colombian coffee.

Guimaras Mangoes are noted for their ellipsoid shape, thin seed, meaty non-fibrous flesh and 16° Brix sweetness, characteristics honed by the island’s environment.

First conferred on May 13, 2023, the GI seal grants exclusive use to qualifying locals and empowers them to challenge misleading produce.

Other Philippine candidates for GI include Pili nut (Bicol), T’nalak fabric (Lake Sebu), Durian (Davao) and Lanzones (Camiguin).

 

WHY IT MATTERS

The GI system offers rural producers a premium in local and export markets and strengthens economic development and environmental sustainability.

Guimaras, with a 2022 GDP of PHP 16.13 billion and growing at 9%, relies heavily on mango agriculture and tourism.

Protecting the GI supports fair trade, authentic branding and safeguards cultural heritage while enhancing farmer incomes.

The July workshop aims to finalise strategic actions for quality control, traceability, marketing, export initiatives and enforcement measures.

Stakeholders plan to push for a national GI-sui generis law and for the Philippines to join the Geneva Act of the Lisbon Agreement for international GI protection.