Western Visayas flexes GI wins in ASEAN forum

WESTERN VISAYAS — The Department of Trade and Industry Region 6 showcased Western Visayas’ gains in protecting heritage products as the first ASEAN Regional Geographical Indications Forum and Exhibition wrapped up its three-day run at Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo.

The forum, held from May 13 to 15, 2026, gathered government officials, intellectual property experts, development partners, producers, and other stakeholders to discuss how geographical indications can protect local products, raise their market value, and support community-based growth.

A geographical indication, or GI, identifies a product as originating from a specific place where its quality, reputation, or characteristics are linked to its geographic origin.

The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines organized the forum in partnership with the European Union Intellectual Property Office.

DTI Region 6 said the event served as a platform for Western Visayas to demonstrate its leadership in the country’s GI movement.

The region is home to two of the Philippines’ first registered GIs: Guimaras Mangoes and Aklan Piña.

“DTI Region VI welcomes the conduct of the ASEAN Regional Geographical Indications (GI) Forum and Exhibition in Iloilo City and Western Visayas, as it highlights the region’s leadership in advancing GI development in the Philippines. As the home of the country’s first two registered GIs, Region VI stands at the forefront of promoting quality, heritage, and innovation. Hosting this first-ever regional forum not only underscores this achievement but, more importantly, showcases the vast potential and global competitiveness of Western Visayas’ products and craftsmanship. It also sends a strong message to other regions and our ASEAN neighbors that our communities are proactive, resilient, and committed to preserving cultural identity while creating economic opportunities through GI development”, said DTI 6 OIC-Regional Director Mutya Eusores.

Delegates capped the high-level gathering with a field study visit to the island province of Guimaras on May 15.

The immersion allowed international and local experts to see the impact of geographical indications on community development and the standards maintained by local producers.

DTI Region 6 highlighted Guimaras Mangoes as a leading example of post-registration support sustained through close collaboration with the Guimaras provincial government.

Guimaras Mangoes was granted GI registration in 2023 by IPOPHL, making it the country’s first registered GI, according to the Philippine News Agency. (Philippine News Agency)

Through the DTI Supply Chain and Logistics Group, DTI Guimaras and the provincial government have worked together to help translate GI status into economic gains for mango growers and other stakeholders.

The partnership has strengthened supply chain systems and logistics operations from orchard to market to preserve the premium quality associated with the Guimaras Mangoes brand.

DTI Region 6 said improved transport efficiency and stronger distribution networks continue to protect the integrity and reputation of Guimaras Mangoes in local and international markets.

The registration of Aklan Piña also reflects the technical support provided by DTI Aklan.

DTI Aklan helped bridge traditional weavers and the legal requirements of intellectual property protection.

The provincial office led the documentation of centuries-old weaving traditions and the unique characteristics of the Red Spanish pineapple variety, both of which were essential to GI recognition.

DTI Aklan also helped Aklan Piña MANTRA, or the Aklan Piña & Indigenous Fibers Manufacturers and Traders Association Inc., develop a strict code of practice defining standards that protect the “Queen of Philippine Fabrics” from imitation.

The Philippines has four registered GIs: Guimaras Mangoes, Alburquerque Asin Tibuok, Aklan Piña, and T’nalak Tau Sebu, according to IPOPHL. (IPOPHIL)

IPOPHL’s registered GI listing notes that Aklan’s history of piña dates back to the Spanish colonial period, with the province recognized for artisanship, superior raw materials, and weaving techniques passed down through generations. (IPOPHIL)

As the forum closed, DTI Western Visayas said it remains focused on supporting other high-potential products in the region.

The agency is providing technical guidance to prospective GI candidates, including Hablon of Iloilo, Asin Tultul of Guimaras, and Antique Muscovado Sugar.

DTI Region 6 said collaboration among government experts, scientific researchers, and local producers will help convert traditional knowledge into competitive and science-backed brands.

The agency said GI development remains a core strategy for sustainable and inclusive growth while preserving the unique identities of Western Visayan communities for future generations.

A map displayed during the first ASEAN GI Forum highlights the Philippines’ first four registered geographical indications: T’nalak Tau Sebu, Guimaras Mangoes, Aklan Piña Textile, and Alburquerque Asin Tibuok.