The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines approved the application of the Guimaras Mangoes as the country’s first registered geographical indication.
A GI serves as a marketing tool that accentuates a product’s distinctiveness and appealing narratives. A GI seal certifies a link between the quality, characteristics and reputation of a product and its geographical source. These factors may have been shaped due to environmental influences, such as soil and climate, or human factors such as tradition and local know-how.
“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,” said IPOPHL deputy director-general Ann Claire Cabochan.
“Now with the GI seal, we hope local prices will double. So additional income for farmers,” said Guimaras Mango Growers and Producers Development Cooperative president Felipe Gamarcha, referring to the farm gate price of Guimaras Mangoes which averaged P200 in 2022. This marks an astronomical rise from the P20 to P50/kilo price of the commodity before the association secured a collective mark.