Department of (DA) Agriculture Senior Undersecretary Domingo F. Panganiban and other DA officials met with the members of the Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA) on January 23, 2023 to discuss possible interventions and collaboration to address the fusarium wilt that is affecting Cavendish banana growers in Mindanao.
“This is an immediate problem that the President pointed out, and we need to resolve immediately,” Sr. Usec. Panganiban said.
Panganiban directed Assistant Secretary for Operations Arnel De Mesa and Bureau of Plant Industry (DA-BPI) Director Gerald Glenn F. Panganiban to closely coordinate with the PBGEA and other concerned agencies to assess damage extent in Mindanao and formulate an immediate action plan to help the affected growers.
During the discussion, PBGEA led by their Executive Director Stephen Antig, shared the challenges and gaps in the sector. He also provided the officials with recommendation and best practices to put these plans into actions. ### (photos by Alan Jay Jacalan, DA-AFID)
