The Department of Agriculture (DA) led by Secretary William Dar formally recognized the Cavendish banana stakeholders and key players for their contribution in the development of Philippine banana industry that has continued to benefit rural communities and the country’s economy.

“Despite the crisis, the health emergency situation, pest and disease, and the changing weather patterns, the Philippines still ranked as second among major banana exporters in the world,” Secretary Dar said.

He acknowledged the banana stakeholders as active partners of the DA and thanked them for their commitment in producing high-quality bananas despite the many challenges.

“We thank the government through the DA for spearheading the crafting of the banana industry roadmap. This is the only administration that seemingly understood the situation of the Philippine banana export sector,” Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association, Inc. (PBGEA) Executive Director Stephen Antig expressed during the recognition on May 2, 2022.

He added that the P3-million funding support of DA for  marketing and public relations campaign of PBGEA to promote Philippine bananas in Japan will strengthen the industry’s access to international markets with potential price increase.

Moreover, Antig shared their group’s plans to maintain the country’s position as top exporter of banana in Asia and continue producing the best quality banana in the world.

The recognition was attended by 35 banana companies and members of the PBGEA, Mindanao Banana Farmers and Exporters Association, Inc. (MBFEA), and Mindanao Direct Exporters and Growers Association, Inc. (MEGA).

DA officials including Undersecretary for Operations Ariel Cayanan and DA Davao Regional Field Office Director Abel James Monteagudo were also present during the event. ### (Gumamela Bejarin, DA-AFID)