GUIMARAS STRENGTHENS MANGO GI PROTECTION AND GOVERNANCE

Governor Ma. Lucille L. Nava, MD, met with Geographical Indications (GI) consultants Mr. Peter Damary and Mr. Patrick Belisario on June 25, 2026, at the Governor’s Office Conference Room, Kapitolyo Probinsyal sang Guimaras.

The meeting focused on the strategic direction and next steps for the Guimaras Mango Geographical Indication (GI), including the operationalization of the Guimaras Mango Development Council (GUIMADECO). Discussions covered strategic actions to strengthen GI governance, traceability, certification, quality assurance systems, and the provision of technical and institutional support for the Guimaras Mango GI.

The Province of Guimaras established GUIMADECO through Executive Order No. 48, Series of 2026, as the primary body responsible for the protection, promotion, and sustainable development of the Guimaras Mango GI and its value chain. The Council is mandated to strengthen governance mechanisms, quality assurance, traceability, certification, market development, and stakeholder coordination.

During the meeting, the group discussed proposed revisions to the GUIMADECO framework, the development of an internal control work plan, and the sustainability of the internal control and the activities of the Provincial Office for Agricultural Services (POAS) in maintaining quality control of the mangoes.

They also discussed challenges affecting the competitiveness and sustainability of the Guimaras mango industry, particularly the misuse and counterfeiting of the Guimaras Mango brand and Geographical Indication. Mr. Damary emphasized that only top-quality mangoes that comply with established standards, including hot water treatment requirements, should be marketed and labeled as “Guimaras Mangoes.

”Governor Nava likewise shared that individuals and entities using the term “Guimaras Mangoes” for products that do not originate from Guimaras are currently under investigation.

Geographical Indications are a form of intellectual property protection that identifies products as originating from a specific geographical area and possessing qualities, reputation, or characteristics linked to that origin. They help preserve product authenticity, maintain quality standards, and support local producers and communities.

In 2023, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) approved the registration of Guimaras Mangoes as a Geographical Indication, making it the first registered GI in the country. To date, the Philippines has four registered GIs: Guimaras Mangoes, Aklan Piña, Alburquerque Asin Tibuok, and T’nalak Tau Sebu.

Also present during the meeting were Provincial Economic and Development Officer Francisco Gentoral, Provincial Agriculturist Alvin Nava, DTI Guimaras Officer-in-Charge Juvy Benliro, and Executive Assistant IV Glia Ivynne Galve.