GUIMARAS, PHILIPPINES—The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has initiated a collaboration with Shopee, an online shopping platform, and LBC Express, a logistics company, to amplify the market reach of Guimaras mangoes through e-commerce.

This venture focuses on onboarding local mango sellers to the Shopee platform, intending to modernize agricultural trade and streamline distribution for local farmers.

The DTI’s Supply Chain and Logistics Group and Regional Operations Group are actively involved in supporting local mango entrepreneurs.

Currently, three sellers have been registered on the Shopee platform, with an additional ten merchants undergoing the onboarding process.

The DTI provided these sellers with essential training on digital commerce, including a 'Shopee 101' session covering account setup, product listings, and online selling strategies, which was attended by 13 participants.

To tackle the logistical challenges involved in delivering fresh mango products to consumers, the DTI-SCLG has established a connection between LBC Express and the merchants from Guimaras.

LBC Express will act as the fulfillment provider for the online orders placed through Shopee, ensuring that deliveries are made efficiently and preserving product quality.

LBC’s Guimaras branch is also facilitating this initiative by offering exclusive shipping discounts and special rates to coincide with the Manggahan Festival.

This support aims to lower delivery costs for local sellers while broadening their consumer reach.

Vincent Lee, the Head of Shopee Philippines, expressed the importance of this partnership, stating that it enables Guimaras mango sellers to tap into the digital economy and increase their visibility to consumers across the Philippines.

This effort represents Shopee’s commitment to supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises in the region.

DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque highlighted the importance of this initiative, underscoring the government's goal to enhance market access and reduce logistics costs, which would benefit suppliers and consumers alike.

This move is seen as a step towards the Philippines' broader transformation, positioning the country to better integrate into modern economic systems.

Secretary Roque further elaborated that this collaboration is designed to ensure the safe and efficient delivery of Guimaras mangoes across the country, fostering the digital transformation of local agricultural enterprises and enhancing consumer access to high-quality local produce.