Guimaras, May 22-23, 2023 – Guimaras mangoes have earned the distinction of being the first product in the Philippines to receive its own geographical indicator (G.I.).
The certificate of G.I. registration was formally conferred upon the Provincial Government of Guimaras and the Guimaras Mango Growers and Producers Development Cooperative in a ceremony held on May 22-23, 2023, at Makati Diamond Residences in Makati City, in conjunction with the National Geographical Indications Forum.
Ann Claire Cabochan, Deputy Director General of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), explained that a product with a geographical indicator is unique to a specific locality. She added that this uniqueness may be due to the geographic location or the traditional production methods employed by the local community.
The certificate was received by the following representatives:
- Mr. Francisco E. Gentoral, Provincial Economic Development Officer
- Ms. Joejin Galvez, Senior Agriculturist and Provincial Mango Focal Person
- Mr. Felipe Gamarcha, General Manager, Guimaras Mango Growers and Producers Development Cooperative
- Ms. Elena V. Quezon, former Provincial Economic Development Officer
Geographical Indications (G.I.) is an initiative of IPOPHL aimed at promoting the effective use of intellectual property rights, particularly G.I., as a strategic business tool to enhance the competitive advantage of the country’s indigenous and distinctive products.
Guimaras mangoes, often referred to as the “sweetest in the world,” possess unique qualities and characteristics attributed to the island’s topography. The moderately undulating and rolling to steeply sloping terrain, along with the province’s elevation, provides an ideal environment for cultivating “carabao” mangoes, which is the variety produced by the island province.
News Release Date: May 24, 2023 Ref: Information Section – Office of the Governor
