Guimaras mangoes have moved closer to the European market after a test shipment of the province’s prized fruit reached Brussels, Belgium this month, marking a key step in efforts to expand the global reach of one of the Philippines’ most recognized agricultural products.
The DTI Philippines said 100 kilograms of fresh Guimaras mangoes were shipped to the Belgian capital on June 11 to test whether the province can sustain exports to long-haul international markets.
The shipment was designed to assess the full logistics chain, from farm handling and transport to freight operations and product quality preservation, as officials work to reduce post-harvest losses and keep the fruit in export-ready condition.
Another 100 kilograms of Guimaras mangoes were also sent to Hong Kong on the same day. The fruits came from the Philippine Good Agricultural Practices-certified Kokomojo Mango Farm in Sibunag and were showcased during Philippine Independence Day events attended by diplomats, business leaders, and other guests.
DTI Region 6 Director Mutya Eusores said the test shipments aimed to measure supply chain efficiency across borders while ensuring that the mangoes maintained their quality throughout transport.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen agricultural logistics and make Philippine produce more competitive in international markets.
With overseas interest growing, the provincial government is now focusing on building the systems needed to support larger export volumes.
Provincial Economic Development Officer Francis Gentoral said the priority is to develop reliable and scalable export processes that can meet future demand.
“While we celebrate this, our priority remains building reliable, scalable export processes and a resilient supply chain to meet growing export market demand,” Gentoral said.
Governor Ma. Lucille Nava has also created the Guimaras Mango Development Council, a public-private body tasked with addressing supply, research, export marketing, investment promotion, investor partnerships, and geographic indication initiatives.
