Presidential Assistant Pledges Support for Durian Industry in Davao City
DAVAO CITY – Leo Tereso Magno, the Presidential Assistant for Eastern Mindanao, has pledged his full support for the durian industry in Davao City. Magno made this commitment during the first-ever Philippine Asia Durian Summit held at the SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang on October 26.
Magno expressed his support for the durian industry, especially during its current phase of growth. He advised Emmanuel Belviz, president of the Durian Industry Association in Davao City (DIADC), to compile a list of the industry’s specific needs. Magno emphasized that the government’s assistance would be based on the first-hand knowledge of the industry insiders.
Emmanuel S. Belviz intends to establish strong connections within the industry as well as with government and private organizations. He highlighted the need for irrigation in the durian industry, and Magno assured that the government would do its part to help meet this need.
Belviz also emphasized the importance of executive support and collaboration among stakeholders to establish the Philippines as a key player in the global durian industry. The Department of Agriculture’s High-Value Crops Development Program Director, Gerald Glenn Panganiban, added that the summit aimed to enhance durian production by providing superior planting materials and expanding fruit cultivation by 2023.
Belviz also highlighted the significant milestone of the first shipment of Philippine durian to China in April this year. This event greatly impacted the regional durian sector and contributed to the Philippines maintaining its position as a top exporter of fresh durians since 2014. Furthermore, Davao City has seen four farmers successfully exporting durians to other parts of the world.
The three-day summit featured over 100 exhibitors, including representatives from Malaysia and China. Experts from Thailand and Malaysia provided insights on cultivation techniques and market trends for durian.
With the support of the government and various industry stakeholders, the durian industry in Davao City is poised for further growth and success.
