Why Guimaras Prohibits Import of Mangoes to the Island Province

Mangoes are the most celebrated fruit in the Philippines! When we say mangoes, first thing that comes to mind is to ask where it came from and, when you hear the magic word “Guimaras” you’ll know that you’re in for a treat of the sweetest fruit in the Philippines.

Guimaras is an island province subdivided into 5 municipalities, namely: Buenavista, Jordan, Nueva Valencia, San Lorenzo and Sibunag. Guimaras was once a sub-province of Iloilo and was made independent on May 22, 1992. The people speak Hiligaynon and Kinaray-a.

1) Guimaras: The Philippine Paradise of World-Class Mangoes

Guimaras is known for its sweetest mangoes not only in the Philippines but in the world. Its fruit is of export quality and has reached the markets of America, Australia, Canada, Singapore, etc. and even on the dinner tables of known people and institutions like the royals and the rich (reportedly served in Buckingham Palace and White House).

READ: Guimaras: The Philippine Paradise of World-Class Mangoes

Guimarasnons are so proud of its famous sweet mangoes that it explicitly prohibits the import of any mango product outside the island. This is to protect its own mangoes from genetic degradation and disease. So don’t bring any mangoes in Guimaras in respect for its local. Beware! The local government also supports this by banning visitors from importing any type of mangoes to the island.

2) The Mango Research Center

In Guimaras, they have a research facility that studies their island grown mangoes. The Bureau of Plant Industry’s National Mango Research and Development Center (NMRDC) at San Miguel, Jordan, Guimaras has a big-role in the advancement of the country’s mango production.

READ: The Mango Research Center

Locals are very protective of their mangoes. They are also the most critical as they offer only the best mangoes to their customers and guests by meticulously inspecting each fruit separating or even putting away the crop  that is not sweet enough, too small or got any flaws.

Because of their love for mangoes, Guimarasnons has come up many and different ways in using and serving the fruit. There’s the mango pizza and another is the mango ketchup.

3) Mango Pizza

Making mangoes as a star ingredient, it gives a fruity and tangy twist for pizzas. It’s not prepared like the usual “Hawaiian pizzas” where we find pineapples. Expect a totally different experience for your first bite.

READ: Guimaras Mango Pizza: Looks Good, Tastes Even Better

The mango pizza is a blend of saltiness and sweetness. It’s perfect with hot sauce too! For mango-lovers and for those who can’t get enough of its fruity and tangy taste, there’s also the mango ketchup.

4) Mango Ketchup

Mango ketchup is rich in vitamins. You can use it in your pasta sauces just like the banana ketchup in Filipino-style spaghetti, as a condiment or as an ingredient in your dishes to give it a tangy taste.

READ: Mango Ketchup? Mango Pizza? Only in the Philippines!

But if you’re afraid to experiment with your mangoes, you can still make the all-time-favorite dessert, mango float.

5) Mango Float Dessert

READ: How to Make the Perfect Holiday Dessert: Mango Float Recipe

Now that you know how special the fruit is, whenever someone from Guimaras gives you a mango, take it as a compliment. These mangoes are cultivated to perfection that Filipinos love as well as the royals around the world.

How to Get There

From Manila, you can fly to Iloilo (estimated cost of Php3,000++, round trip, one hour).

From Iloilo Airport, take a cab and ask to be taken to Parola which is the jump-off point for Jordan, Guimaras. From there you can board a motorboat (Php14++ per head, one-way, 10-15 minutes) going to Jordan port.

The daily Iloilo to Guimaras trips are as follows:

• 4 trips a day from Mondays to Fridays – 8:30am, 10:30am, 3:00pm, 5:30pm
• 2 trips a day from Saturdays to Sundays – 8:30am, 5:30pm

Please take note that schedules are subject to change without prior notice, so it is better to contact the following numbers for more information: (F.F Cruz Shipping Corporation)

• Lapuz, Iloilo City – (033) 337-1046 / 336-9329 / 336-4195
• Jordan, Guimaras – (033) 581-1701

Upon arriving in Jordan port, proceed to the tourism center just a few meters from the drop-off point. You can ask for assistance getting around. There are also several mini-van and tricycle drivers who offer tour rides.

VIEW: See what else to bring home from Visayas with the Choose Philippines Pasalubong Guide

More Fruits and Vegetables in the Philippines

1) Negros: The Organic Food Bowl of Asia

2) LOOK: 5 Fruits That Aren’t Round & Why These Are Must-Eats

3) Camiguin: Land of the Sweetest Lanzones

4) From Fruits to Wine: Taste Agusan del Sur’s Sweet Produce

5) Rambutan All You Can

the usual market price.