Sweet Success in Rome: Agriculture Chief Promotes Philippine Mangoes as Global Stars at Serbisyo Caravan
ROME, Italy — The unmistakable sweetness of Philippine mangoes stole the spotlight at the Serbisyo Caravan held in the historic city of Rome, where Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. proudly championed Filipino produce as world-class exports worthy of global recognition.
During the event at the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Headquarters, Secretary Laurel made a special stop at the Philippine mango booth, celebrating the success of Filipino entrepreneurs who earlier this year launched the country’s first-ever fresh mango shipment to Italy.
“We’re here to help consolidate premium Filipino produce for export,” Laurel said, affirming the Marcos administration’s goal to expand markets, uplift farmers’ incomes, and strengthen agri-trade partnerships across the globe.
?? A Taste of Home, A Triumph Abroad
The trailblazing importers began their venture in May 2025, successfully introducing Philippine mangoes to Italy’s mainstream market — and they’re not stopping there. Plans are underway to include lanzones, rambutan, dragon fruit, pili nuts, and other iconic Filipino delicacies in future shipments.
However, one challenge looms large — high airfreight costs — a hurdle the Department of Agriculture (DA) aims to address through coordinated logistics and trade facilitation support.
“When government, private sector, and our kababayans abroad join forces, Philippine products don’t just travel—they make a grand entrance on the global stage,” Laurel remarked. “It’s like turning mangoes into international celebrities — ripe, ready, and impossible to ignore!”
? Building Bridges Through Flavor and Partnership
Agriculture Attaché Dr. Josyline “Joy” Javelosa emphasized the vital role of timely, strategic government intervention in strengthening supply chains and sustaining partnerships with overseas Filipino entrepreneurs.
“Time-bound and strategic support can be catalytic,” she said. “It helps Filipino farmers and global entrepreneurs sustain their business while giving our kababayans abroad a true taste of home.”
The results speak for themselves: according to importer Dennis Carrascoso, Chairman of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce in Italy, the fresh mangoes sold out within hours, fueled by the enthusiasm of the Filipino community and the unwavering support of the Philippine Embassy in Rome, led by Ambassador Neal Imperial.
? Expanding the Global Market for Filipino Agriculture
Beyond the Serbisyo Caravan, Secretary Laurel led the Philippine delegation in promoting agribusiness investments under the FAO’s Hand-in-Hand Initiative, highlighting mangoes, abaca, bamboo, and seaweed as key export commodities. Philippine mangoes, in particular, are the flagship product under the FAO’s One Country, One Priority Product (OCOP) framework — a symbol of Filipino pride and potential.
The Serbisyo Caravan, spearheaded by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), also provided vital assistance to overseas Filipinos, offering access to services from OWWA, SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, and National ID registration. The event also received a warm visit from First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, who personally showed her support for Filipino vendors and overseas workers.
From farms in Luzon to tables in Rome, Philippine mangoes are not just fruits—they’re ambassadors of Filipino excellence.
NPO News Team | DA Press Office – PR
