DAVAO CITY (August 9) — Davao’s famed durian and other tropical fruits are set to reach more consumers in Manila, Baguio and Cebu as the Department of Agriculture in Davao Region (DA-11) rolls out its “Kadiwa on Wheels” initiative to widen markets for local farmers.
DA-11 Regional Director Macario Gonzaga said the program will bring fresh produce directly from Davao to major urban centers, helping farmers find buyers and avoid losses when harvests surge and farmgate prices fall.
“Right now we have doubled our supply. Our farmers worry about low prices for their produce — that’s why we are planning the ‘Kadiwa on Wheels,’” Gonzaga said.
He said DA officials in Manila, Baguio and Cebu have expressed readiness to receive Davao fruits, creating additional outlets for growers beyond traditional local markets.
Gonzaga said durian production, which declined in 2025 because of unfavorable weather, has rebounded this year, with supply increasing by 1.56 percent.
The planned market expansion comes as Davao celebrates the 12th Kadayawan Durian Festival, organized by DA-11 in partnership with the Durian Industry Association of Davao City and SM Lanang.
Now on its 12th year, the festival gives farmers an opportunity to sell their harvests directly while connecting with buyers, tourists and fruit enthusiasts from across the country.
But durian is only part of Davao’s agricultural bounty. The festival also features mangosteen, lanzones, rambutan, avocado, marang, pomelo and other fruits produced in the region.
From Davao to Oman
Davao’s fruit industry is also gaining ground in international markets.
Gonzaga announced the successful trial shipment of 1.08 metric tons of fresh Puyat and Duyaya durian to Muscat, Oman, describing it as another milestone for the region’s growers.
“This achievement reflects the increasing confidence of international buyers in the quality of Davao-grown durian and opens another promising market for our local producers,” he said.
Davao durian is already being exported to China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore and South Korea, with Oman now emerging as another potential market.
For farmers, the expanding domestic and export markets could mean more opportunities—but also greater pressure to maintain quality and meet international standards.
Gonzaga urged growers, including smallholder producers, to focus on producing high-quality fruits that can compete both locally and abroad.
DA-11 said it will continue supporting the industry through programs aimed at boosting farm productivity, expanding market access, strengthening value chains and providing farmers with technology and other services.
With “Kadiwa on Wheels” bringing Davao fruits closer to consumers outside Mindanao, the initiative seeks to turn the region’s abundant harvest into wider markets—and, ultimately, better opportunities for the farmers who produce them.
