DAVAO CITY — Production and marketing assistance are some of the support that Davao Region’s banana sector have been getting from the Department of Agriculture (DA) to help in its recovery.
In a press conference here Tuesday, Agriculture Secretary William Dar said DA has provided PHP3 million marketing and public relations campaign fund to promote Philippine bananas in Japan.
“Davao Region is the agribusiness capital of the country. Seeing that the banana industry has remained still in spite of the pandemic is a manifestation that agribusiness needs private sector to succeed,” Dar said.
He noted that the Philippines still ranks as second-largest banana exporter in the world, mainly because of Davao Region’s contribution into the industry.
“We thank you, our active partners, for your dedication and commitment in producing high quality bananas despite these challenges,” he said.
He assured that the agency’s programs and support for the banana industry will continue, especially in production and marketing, in coordination with Local Government Units (LGUs) and farming communities.
Thirty-five banana companies earlier met with DA officials in Davao City to discuss other areas of partnerships.
Meanwhile, Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association, Inc. (PBGEA) executive director Stephen Antig expressed his gratitude to the agency for creating an avenue to sustain the recovery of the banana industry.
“We thank the DA for its commitment and support for the banana industry. The domestic banana industry is optimistic that the marketing campaign would enable producers to secure the support of Japanese consumers in our bid to adjust prices,” Antig said. (PNA)
