JORDAN, Guimaras - A serious effort by the local government of Guimaras province to prevent others from using the world-famous tag of "Guimaras Sweet Mangoes" to boost the image of their own mangoes is vigorously being pushed by its officials led by incumbent Governor Felipe Hilan Nava.

Nava, who has been at the core of Guimaras mangoes' successful entry in the export trade, said his office is bent on acquiring the precious Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) for the protection of mangoes produced in this island-province

The governor said the move once approved would disallow the practice by other mango traders to label their products as produced in Guimaras.

Moreover, Nava said that having the IPR would pave the way to the strong probability of Guimaras mangoes landing the lucrative European market.

Currently, Guimaras exports its famous mangoes to Asia, Australia, and the United States.

Nava has disclosed that the request for the IPR is pending at the Intellectual Property Office in Metro Manila.

MANGGAHAN FEST OPENS

Guimaras, the home of the sweetest mango, has opened its annual Manggahan Festival with new events showcasing culture, entertainment, sports, and agri-tourism of the place tto attract more tourists until its highlight on April 22.

This year's festival will feature the first Mango Man Triathlon, the first Manggahan Culinary Arts Competition and the Manggahan Tribes Competition, according to the Manggahan Foundation, Incorporated.

Added to these are the Visayas Science and Technology Forum on April 17, Manggahan sa Robinsons from April 10 to 14, Cooking Demo, Agri-Trade Fair, Street dancing competition, Search for Mutya ng Guimaras and the Mango Eat All You Can events from April 18 to 22.

Guimaras Manggahan Foundation, Inc. chairperson Henry Babiera said the festival, which is an extravagant and colorful event, expects to draw thousands of domestic and foreign tourists this year.

The event will open on April 16, with a street dancing competition at the Guimaras Capitol grounds, and the opening of the Agri-Trade Fair 2012, highlighting the theme "Unfolding Science and Technology for Agri-Tourism Development."

Babiera said Guimaras is still considered one of the exotic islands in the Philippines, with its natural, unspoiled beauty.

The festival is being organized by the provincial government and the Guimaras Provincial Trade and Tourism office.* PNA/PIA