DAVAO CITY (January 15) — The Department of Agriculture in the Davao Region (DA-11) is accelerating the certification and renewal of Philippine Good Agricultural Practices (PhilGAP) for durian farms, a move seen to directly benefit growers and farming communities by opening higher-value markets and stabilizing farm incomes.
In an online post Wednesday, DA-11 Regional Director Macario Gonzaga said faster certification not only ensures food safety but also strengthens the global reputation of Philippine durian—translating into better prices for compliant farmers.
“PhilGAP not only safeguards consumer health but also enhances the global reputation of Philippine durian,” Gonzaga said. “When farmers meet these standards, they gain access to premium markets that reward quality and consistency.”
DA-11 said about 89 percent of all GAP-certified farms in the region are already in the durian sector. Officials are encouraging remaining growers to register or renew their certifications so more farming households can benefit from export-linked demand.
Beyond exports, the agency noted that PhilGAP adoption improves on-farm practices, including proper chemical use, worker safety, and environmental protection—reducing production risks and costs over time while improving yields and fruit quality.
Marie Ann Constantino, DA-11 regional technical director for operations, said wider compliance also strengthens farmer bargaining power by improving traceability and buyer confidence.
“Compliance is key to boosting competitiveness in international markets,” Constantino said. “Certified farms are better positioned to negotiate with exporters and institutional buyers.”
PhilGAP certification is required for durian exports to markets such as China, which demand strict standards on food safety, worker welfare, and environmental sustainability. For growers, access to these markets means more stable demand and income opportunities across harvest seasons.
DA-11 made its first shipment of 18 metric tons of durian to China in April 2023, opening a major market for Davao-grown varieties such as Puyat, D-101, Cob, and Duyaya. Officials said continued certification efforts are expected to generate more jobs along the value chain—from farm labor to packing, logistics, and transport—bringing broader economic gains to Davao’s rural communities.
