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The Philippines is expanding overseas market access for Guimaras mangoes with a new sample export shipment to two European countries and Hong Kong
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On June 9, 200 kg of fresh Guimaras mangoes from Sibunag were shipped abroad: 50 kg to the Netherlands, 50 kg to Belgium, and 100 kg to Hong Kong
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European consignments will serve as promotional shipments to introduce Guimaras mangoes to potential buyers and industry stakeholders
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The Hong Kong shipment will be distributed to diplomats and guests during the celebration of the 127th Philippine Independence Day on June 12
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The Bureau of Plant Industry provided technical, laboratory, regulatory, and phytosanitary support to ensure compliance with international standards
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The mangoes were sourced from PhilGAP-certified Kokomojo Mango Farm in Sibunag, Guimaras
The Philippines is intensifying efforts to expand overseas market access for its prized Guimaras mangoes, with a fresh export shipment to two European countries and Hong Kong.
On June 9, a total of 200 kilograms of fresh mangoes from Kokomojo Mango Farm in Sibunag, Guimaras were shipped overseas, with 50 kilograms destined for the Netherlands, 50 kilograms for Belgium, and 100 kilograms for Hong Kong.
Although relatively small in volume, the shipment is viewed as a strategic market development initiative, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said in a statement.
The consignments bound for Belgium and the Netherlands will serve as promotional exports intended to introduce Guimaras mangoes to prospective buyers and industry stakeholders in Europe, where demand for high-quality tropical fruits continues to grow. Brussels will serve as the entry point for the European shipments.
The Hong Kong shipment is scheduled to be distributed to diplomats and distinguished guests during the celebrations of the 127th Philippine Independence Day on June 12, offering a chance to highlight one of the country’s most famous agricultural products.
The DA’s Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) supported the export initiative by offering technical, laboratory, and regulatory help to meet international food safety and plant health standards.
The agency’s Guimaras National Crop Research, Development and Production Support Center assisted growers in implementing production technologies and good agricultural practices, while its Plant Product Safety Services Division conducted maximum residue limit testing to verify compliance with pesticide regulations imposed by importing countries.
The National Plant Quarantine Services Division facilitated the issuance of export permits and phytosanitary certificates, which are required to demonstrate that shipments are free from regulated quarantine pests and meet market-access requirements.
The mangoes were sourced from PhilGAP-certified Kokomojo Mango Farm, highlighting the growing importance of farm-level certification in securing access to premium export destinations.
Agriculture secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the government is stepping up efforts to open new markets for Philippine agricultural products as part of a broader strategy to raise farmer incomes and generate employment across the agricultural value chain.
“Every new export market we open creates opportunities not only for our farmers but also for workers involved in processing, logistics, packaging, and distribution. Expanding market access allows our producers to secure better prices, increase incomes, and invest in improving productivity, helping drive inclusive growth in rural communities,” Tiu Laurel said.
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The shipment is part of a government effort to diversify exports beyond traditional markets. By using science-based regulation, quality assurance, and better traceability, authorities aim to make Philippine fruits more competitive in premium markets where consumers pay higher prices for quality and safety.
The BPI said the export initiative reflects growing international recognition of Philippine agricultural products and underscores the importance of collaboration among farmers, exporters, and government agencies in opening new market opportunities.
