WITH its sweet mangoes and dragon fruit, Guimaras is poised to make a mark on the global stage.
This, as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Western Visayas and its Guimaras Provincial Office are exploring the direct export of world-famous Guimaras mangoes and dragon fruit to the Netherlands.
Carried out in coordination with the Supply Chain and Logistics Group and with support from the Philippine Trade and Investment Center–Brussels, the DTI Region 6 (Western Visayas) said this could be a game-changer for Guimaras’ local farmers and the economy.
During an assessment mission last Feb. 23-24, the DTI, together with key logistic partners, evaluated the feasibility of the export readiness and compliance requirements of the mango and dragon fruit sector of Guimaras.
The delegation included local mango growers, representatives from the provincial government, and officials from the Bureau of Customs, Bureau of Plant Quarantine, and the Bureau of Plant Industry.
The mission began with consultations at the Guimaras Wonders Farm and an inspection of the hot water treatment facility at the Mango Growers and Producers Cooperative to ensure compliance with European safety standards.
Also, it included a visit to Kokomojo Mango Farm to discuss sustainable supply chains for fresh and processed mango products, and a visit to NJST Farm to explore dragon fruit export opportunities to the Netherlands.
“The visits aimed to review the sustainability of the supply chain, production capacity, and phytosanitary compliance, crucial factors in determining whether Guimaras mangoes and dragon fruit can meet the stringent requirements of the European market,” the DTI said.
Discussions during the mission also focused on aligning export procedures, regulatory compliance, and logistics requirements for entry into the Netherlands. It was also noted that there is a need to strengthening export readiness, and bringing together key logistics partners including Airspeed, In–Line Forwarder, and F2 Logistics alongside Netherlands-based importer JMR World Trading BV.
Known as the "Mango Capital of the Philippines," Guimaras is renowned for its sweet and juicy mangoes. The province is also a major producer of dragon fruit, a tropical commodity gaining popularity worldwide for its nutritional benefits.
If successful, the DTI said the direct export of these fruits to the Netherlands could open up new opportunities for local farmers, increase their incomes, and contribute to the province's economic growth.
However, the road ahead is not without challenges. The initiative remains in the exploratory stage, pending further coordination among government agencies, logistics providers, and producers.
The DTI officials also said that ensuring compliance with the Netherlands' and the European Union's regulations, managing logistics, and maintaining the quality of the produce during transportation are just a few of the hurdles that need to be overcome.
Despite the challenges, the DTI said the potential benefits are too significant to ignore.
Local farmers said they are hopeful that the DTI initiative will come to fruition, bringing them closer to their goal of becoming major players in the international market.
