Fresh, juicy, and undeniably Filipino is how Philippine mangoes sweetened-up the show at the “Serbisyo Caravan” in Rome, the Italian city once known as Caput Mundi—the capital of the world.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. made a special stop at the mango booth during the World Food Forum events at the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization Headquarters, connecting with Filipino entrepreneurs who earlier this year launched the country’s first fresh mango commercial shipment to Italy.
These trailblazing importers kicked off their venture in May 2025, bringing a slice of home to the Filipino diaspora—and they’re not stopping there. Their sights are set on lanzones, rambutan, dragon fruit, pili nuts, and even processed Filipino goodies. The biggest snag, Sky-high air freight costs from the Philippines to Italy.
Tiu Laurel didn’t just listen—he promised to back them up.
“We’re here to help consolidate premium Filipino produce for export,” the agriculture chief said, tying the effort to the goal of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to expand markets, boost farmers’ income, and create jobs back home.
Agriculture Attaché Dr. Josyline “Joy” Javelosa, who has been advising these entrepreneurs said, time-bound and strategic government support can be catalytic for farmers in the Philippines and Filipino businesses abroad sustain their commercial relationship and give our kababayans a taste of home overseas.
“The Filipino community in Rome craves the authentic flavor, texture, aroma, and quality.”
“The Filipino community in Rome craves the authentic flavor, texture, aroma, and quality that only Philippine mangoes can deliver—something that cheaper alternatives just can’t match,” Javelosa said.
Tiu Laurel underscored the need for a whole-of-society approach to foster competitiveness of farmers in the Philippines and Filipino entrepreneurs abroad.
“It’s like turning mangoes into international celebrities—ripe, ready, and impossible to ignore!”
“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. It’s like turning mangoes into international celebrities—ripe, ready, and impossible to ignore!” he said.
Importer Dennis Carrascoso reported a big win—the fresh mangoes sold out in just a few hours.
Carrascoso credited their success to the passionate Filipino community in Italy, who spread the word to friends, family, and colleagues. The chairman of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce in Italy also praised the Philippine Embassy in Rome, led by Ambassador Neal Imperial, for their unwavering support.
In Rome, Tiu Laurel also led the Philippine delegation in pitching investments on the FAO’s Hand-in-Hand platform. Mangoes join abaca, bamboo, and seaweed as top Philippine investment priorities, with mangoes spotlighted as the flagship under the FAO’s One Country, One Priority Product initiative.
The Serbisyo Caravan led by the Department of Migrant Workers wasn’t just about mangoes. Filipinos in Italy accessed vital services—from the Embassy, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration to the Social Security System, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, and even National ID applications.
Philippine First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos dropped by to support the Filipino food vendors and the booths serving Filipino workers.
