More than just a tropical paradise, the island of Camiguin is also known as a haven for the sweetest lanzones in the country.

Recognizing the significance of this delectable fruit, the Provincial Government of Camiguin took a decisive step by issuing Provincial Ordinance 2018-59, also known as the Camiguin Lanzones Development Ordinance of 2018.

The primary objective of this ordinance is clear: to safeguard the unparalleled sweetness of Camiguin's lanzones. With this ordinance, the province aims to ensure that every bite of this tropical delight is a burst of sweetness, living up to its reputation.

Preserving the sweetness with care

Provincial Task Force on Lanzones Regulation Chief Implementer, Rey Jurial, emphasized the importance of protecting the lanzones from harvest to market. 

"Ang kinatibuk-an gyud ani nga unod pagprotektar lang gyud sa kalidad sa atong lanzones nga dili gyud siya muubos sa atong gipangandoy nga katam-is [The whole point of this ordinance is to protect the quality of our lanzones so that they never fall short of our desired sweetness]," he stated.

Jurial emphasized the critical role of harvesting at the right time, as unripe lanzones cannot ripen after being picked and will taste sour until they wither.

According to the ordinance, 14 days before harvesting quality and sweet lanzones, harvesters and traders must inform the respective barangays of the intended harvest date. The barangays must then report this information to the Camiguin Buahan Task Force or the Municipal Buahan Task Force for inspection and recommendation.

"Naa ta’y mga technician, atong mga technologists sa municipal nga mutabang gyud pagpahiluna ug didto sad mangayo og clearance sa barangay nga naa pu’y kaugalingon nga task force nga mutan-aw gyud sa kahinog [We have technicians, our technologists in the municipality, who will really help settle and ask for clearance from the barangay that has its own task force that will really look at the ripeness of the fruit]," Jurial said.

Regulating transportation and sales

To maintain the quality of the lanzones, the ordinance also regulates the transportation of gifts. Owners are allowed to transport gifts not exceeding to two boxes of 20 kilos each, totaling 40 kilos. Any excess beyond this limit indicates transportation for commercial purposes.

Upon securing clearance for harvesting, owners should pay the barangay the regulatory fees based on prescribed tariffs. A certification from the punong barangay is required to proceed with harvesting. Meanwhile, the municipal agriculturists, in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry, shall monitor lanzones prices in the market.

Boxes containing harvested lanzones, with options for 5, 10, and 20 kilograms, should display the date and location of the harvest. Inspectors stationed at seaport and airport exit points are responsible for confirming compliance to clearance, business permits, and appropriate packaging.

Research for future sweetness

Looking towards the future, the Provincial Agriculture Office, in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), takes the lead in lanzones research and development. Currently, DOST aids some entrepreneurs in the province by providing a mechanical dehydrator and moisture analyzer for the production of dried lanzones through their Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), said Troy Anthony Omol of DOST Camiguin.

This initiative underscores Camiguin's commitment to continually enhance and protect its prized lanzones.

As Camiguin remains steadfast in its pursuit of sweet excellence, the island not only protects a fruit but also preserves a legacy of sweetness that resonates through every lanzones harvested and enjoyed. (RTP/PIA-10/Camiguin)