Sibunag, Guimaras – The country’s second Integrated Mango Post-Harvest Facility was deployed by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Brgy. Millan, Sibunag, Guimaras.
As the second of its kind in the Philippines after Davao City, this innovation marks a major milestone in enhancing the province’s capacity to meet international export standards through improved post-harvest handling and disease control, boosting productivity, and enhancing the export quality of Guimaras mangoes.
The DOST Guimaras, through the Community Empowerment thru Science and Technology (CEST) Program, continues to champion the mango industry in Guimaras by providing science-based solutions to the pressing challenges of mango growers and producers. This initiative is made possible through DOST Guimaras’ strong coordination and collaboration with the provincial government of Guimaras, Municipality of Sibunag, the Guimaras Mango Growers and Producers Development Cooperative (GMGPDC), academic institutions, private organizations, and the mango farming communities. The deployment of the Integrated Mango Post-Harvest Facility is further strengthened by the support of the University of Southeastern Philippines, the technology generator and certifying body, ensuring that the interventions are credible, sustainable, and responsive to local needs. This multi-stakeholder approach demonstrates how science, technology, and innovation, when combined with local partnerships, can significantly uplift agricultural productivity and competitiveness.
The facility brings a transformative impact to mango post-harvest handling in Guimaras. By treating common fruit diseases such as anthracnose and stem-end rot, it significantly extends the shelf life of mangoes, which is a crucial advantage for export. Additionally, the automated process minimizes fruit mishandling, ensuring that mangoes retain their premium quality from harvest to market.
Moreover, the project also introduces the Mango Power Y-Sprayer Nozzle to enhance spraying efficiency and the V-Sigpao Mango Mechanical Fruit Picker, designed to reduce latex stain and harvest time while ensuring safety and gender inclusivity.
Representatives from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Guimaras, the Provincial Office of Agricultural Services (POAS) of the Province of Guimaras, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Sibunag, and the Guimaras Mango Growers and Producers Development Cooperative (GMGPDC) Board of Directors and members attended the event, which highlighted the strong collaboration among government agencies and the local farming community.
This initiative, under DOST’s CEST program in the Municipality of Sibunag (Phase 2), not only introduces innovation but also represents a leap forward in modernizing the Guimaras mango industry, turning science and technology into tools for livelihood, resilience, and global competitiveness. (MASASalazar/, DOST Guimaras PSTO | Photos by PAUSambas)