Guimaras mango gets marketing boost, protection with GI seal
GUIMARAS province, recognized as the source of the sweetest mango variety in the Philippines, has been awarded a geographical indication (GI) seal, which provides a marketing boost and helps protect its produce from infringement.听听
The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), in a statement on Thursday, said it has approved the application of the Guimaras Mango Growers and Producers Development Cooperative (GMGPDC) for the registration.听听
Guimaras mango is the first to receive a GI certification from IPOPHL.听听听
鈥We see great potential of the system not only in spreading development outside our bustling metropolitan areas, but also in ensuring that the people of the originating locality benefit from their produce,鈥 IPOPHL Deputy Director General Ann Claire C. Cabochan said.听听听听
IPOPHL said the GI seal certifies a link between the quality, characteristics and reputation of a product and its geographical source.听听听
Under the manual of specifications for Guimaras mangoes, the primary requirements are: a Carabao mango variety, thin-seeded, climate, soil type, soil management practices, other pre-planting preparations, post-handling, packing, and storage.听听听
The manual also provides the rules and standards on product labeling, control, and traceability.听听听听
鈥Guimaras Mangoes are produced across the entire island province of Guimaras which is comprised of five municipalities 鈥 Jordan, Buenavista, San Lorenzo, Sibunag and Nueva Valencia,鈥 the IPOPHL said.听听听听
Elena V. Quezon, former provincial economic development officer, said the GI helps in addressing infringement, noting that some traders are falsely claiming that their products are from Guimaras.听听听听
鈥Now we have a validating process,鈥 Ms. Quezon said.听听听
鈥However, for us farmers and producers, we don鈥檛 have yet the way to check or to let them be punished for claiming its Guimaras mangoes because it鈥檚 affecting us economically,鈥 she added. 鈥We鈥re at a loss for institutional development, that鈥檚 where we need help, who can help us police.鈥听听
Guimaras is an island province in central Philippines, accessible by boat from Iloilo City. 鈥 Revin Mikhael D. Ochave
