The Philippine government sent its first batch of Durian fruit from Davao Region to China in fulfillment of a bilateral agriculture agreement this January between the two nations.
Through the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Philippine government has started the preparatory measures following the signing of the “Protocol of the Phytosanitary Requirements for Export of Fresh Durian from the Philippines to China” on January 4. This includes the extension of support to durian growers and processors that enabled them to comply with the protocol requirements.
Presidential Assistant for Mindanao Secretary Leo Magno led the ceremonial send-off of the first batch of durian to China.
On April 6, fresh durian fruits from Davao Region were shipped to China via Davao International Airport. Another shipment of 28 tons was sent off via airfreight, while 10 container vans loaded with a total of 7.2 tons were transported via sea vessel, on Saturday, April 8.
The 28-ton durian cargo was sourced from producers and processors in Mindanao, particularly in Region XI, that passed the stringent requirements of the General Administration Customs of China (GACC).
“The government plans to expand durian farms in other areas of Mindanao to increase production for the supply needed to be sent to China,” Magno said.
Prior to the first batch of exports, the GACC produced a list of qualified facilities and farms that had earned the Chinese government’s “green light.” This includes five packaging plants and 58 durian plantations.
The PhilGAP certification and accreditation of the industry participants were supported by the DA’s Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI).
The deal is expected to gain $260 million or P14.3 billion in revenue for the local durian industry.
President Marcos, Jr. administration is committed to implementing strategies to ensure high-quality fruits for export.
The Department of Agriculture continues to provide assistance to durian growers including logistical and financial support under the Enhanced KADIWA Grant.
