Sweet surge: Guimaras mango production jumps 15% in 2025

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Guimaras’ signature mango industry posted a 15.27% increase in production in 2025, with output reaching 23,792.19 metric tons (MT) from 20,639.87 MT in 2024, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

The Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) attributed the growth to favorable weather during the flowering and fruiting stages, improved orchard management, effective pest and disease control, and continued technical assistance to mango growers.

The improved harvest reinforces the island province’s standing as the “Mango Capital of the Philippines,” whose carabao mangoes are prized for their sweetness and remain central to its tourism and export identity.

Guimaras mangoes were the first Philippine product granted Geographical Indication protection by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines in 2023, a certification that ties the fruit’s reputation to its place of origin and guards against imitation.

The gains came as agriculture remained a major contributor to Guimaras’ economy, with most of the province’s priority commodities registering production increases during the year.

While mango output continued to expand, corn recorded the fastest growth among priority crops, with production surging 38.35% to 1,033.45 MT from 747 MT in 2024.

The PPDO credited the jump to larger harvested areas, improved corn varieties, favorable weather, and better farm management practices.

Production of vegetables commonly used in pakbet, the Ilonggo mixed-vegetable dish, also improved.

Eggplant posted the highest increase at 31.92%, while ampalaya and okra each grew by 15.56%, and squash rose by 9.23%.

The gains were linked to expanded planting areas, improved crop management, better access to quality inputs, and government assistance.

Rice was the only major priority commodity to register a decline.

Palay production slipped by 1%, falling to 52,518 MT from 53,049.50 MT in 2024.

The PPDO said the decrease stemmed from irregular rainfall, reduced harvested areas, rising production costs, and pest and disease infestations that affected yields in some rice-growing communities.