Under the scorching sun of Guimaras, the air is thick with the scent of ripe mangoes. Here, I met Mr. Ernesto Dela Cruz, a third-generation mango farmer who has dedicated his life to cultivating what is considered the sweetest mango in the world.

“My father and grandfather always told me that mango farming isn’t just a job—it’s a responsibility,” he said, standing under a centuries-old mango tree. “We don’t just grow fruit; we protect a legacy.”

Guimaras mangoes are renowned for their sweetness and delicate texture, but maintaining their quality is no easy task. Climate change, unpredictable weather patterns, and increasing pests have made farming more challenging.

“Before, we knew exactly when the seasons would change,” Ernesto explained. “Now, the rains come too early or too late, and the heat is harsher than before.”

Despite these challenges, he refuses to compromise on quality. While some farmers have turned to chemical fertilizers to speed up growth, Ernesto remains committed to traditional organic methods.

“Mangoes need patience,” he said. “If you rush nature, you lose the true flavor.”

His hard work has paid off—his mangoes have been exported to Japan and the U.S., where they are considered a delicacy. However, Ernesto is more concerned about the future.

“Young people don’t want to farm anymore,” he admitted. “They think it’s hard work for little money, and they’re not wrong. But if we don’t pass on our knowledge, what will happen to our mangoes?”

To combat this, he has started teaching workshops to local students, hoping to inspire a new generation of farmers.

“I don’t want to be the last mango farmer in my family,” he said. “This land and these trees—they’re our history.”

As I left his farm, I realized that protecting Guimaras mangoes isn’t just about agriculture—it’s about preserving a piece of Filipino identity.