The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Plant Industry (DA-BPI), through the National Plant Quarantine Services Division (NPQSD), commenced exports of Fresh ‘Hass’ Avocados with a ceremonial send-off at the KTC Port Tibungco, Davao City on September 30, 2023.
DA-BPI Assistant Director for Regulatory Services Ruel C. Gesmundo, DA-Region XI Director Abel James Moteagudo, Dole Philippines Senior Vice President and Stanfilco Division General Manager Tetsuya Kitae, led the ceremony. The initial shipment of 3,040 boxes, with an estimated value of US$ 48,433, is expected to arrive in Pyongtaek Port, South Korea on October 8, 2023.
It was on September 25, 2009, when the Philippines, through the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), officially expressed its intent to export fresh Hass avocado fruits to Korea, responding to the request of Dole Philippines. The Department of Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA) of the Republic of Korea and DA-BPI have reached a historic agreement on June 19, 2023 and came into effect as of September 8, 2023.
The significant market access achievement was made possible through the diligent efforts of the DA-BPI, headed by Director Gerald Glenn Panganiban, and the Philippine Agriculture Office in Seoul.
Director Panganiban played an instrumental role in expediting the market access request by incorporating this agenda during the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), attended by several member countries, including the top management of APQA.
This marks the beginning of a fruitful trade relationship between the two nations as the people of South Korea can finally taste the creamy and nutrient-rich Hass avocados from the Philippines.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. remains committed to the acceleration of agricultural development by opening the country’s doors to Philippine fruit exports. Under his leadership, the Philippines is continuously making progress in creating opportunities in the global market and solidifying its capability to trade top-quality agricultural products. ### (DA-Bureau of Plant Industry)
