Prominent for its luscious, sweet-tasting mangoes and touristy scenes, Guimaras Island is now making waves with its yet another emerging agricultural product – the lowly dragon fruit.

Oval-shaped, vibrantly-colored dragon fruits grow in tropical and subtropical countries where the heat of the sun and just a right amount of water collide. Although these species belong to the cactus family or Cactaceae, surprisingly, dragon fruits earned its moniker as the strawberry pear. And just like any other agri harvests, proper planting and growing techniques are a must for dragon fruits to bear products that are surely a pleasure to the palate and the pocket.

In Guimaras, dragon fruit plantations occupy some 28 vast hectares of land. Local farmers master the tedious process of propagating, pruning, and maintaining it. The hard labor and tender loving care of these dragon fruits guarantee value-added yields.

Solis reiterated the importance of knowing the solid market niche to ensure specific customers who will buy these dragon fruits.

"Usually ma-produce kita and then later on ta lang pangitaon ang market kay gali wala man market. But dragon fruit is very promising because of its nutrients," Solis conveyed.

Local dragon fruit farmers were likewise elated with the help of DA.

Mr. Bonifacio Tespoer, president of Guimaras Dragon Fruit Growers Association, could barely contain his joy upon learning about the financial assistance. He also hoped that his wish list on the purchase of a cold storage facility will soon become a reality as this machine is necessary at the moment.

For his part, provincial agriculturist Alvin Nava said that the assistance will expand the dragon fruit plantation in Guimaras which will also pave the way to higher production volume.

Noting the economic significance of dragon fruits, the provincial government likewise staged the first ever Dragon Fruit Festival last September 29-30, 2022.

According to the Capitol, the conduct of the Guimaras Dragon Fruit Fest aims to contribute to the recovery of the province's economy that is still reeling from the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The province and its partner organizations likewise figured to increase the awareness of the dragon fruit planting which translated to increased income of the local growers.

Now in its second year, the festivity once again allured locals and tourists alike. Exciting events marked the celebration of the festival such as the trade fairs, dragon fruit costume fun parade, fruit dragon tasting, forums and lectures.