In a bid to increase durian production in Davao City, the City Agriculturist Office (CAgrO) hosted a Technical Forum on Durian Farming at the Grand Menseng Hotel on May 22.
With the theme, “Davao durian industry harnessing global challenges, seizing global opportunities,” the forum brought together around 100 farmers across Davao City alongside exporters, researchers from institutions and representatives from public and private sectors.
The discussions covered key topics such as the Durian Industry Situation and Emerging Market Opportunities, the Davao City Commodity Investment Plan, updates on BPI-PQS (Bureau of Plan Industry-Plan Quarantine Service) protocols for durian export, FDA (Food and Drug Administration) regulatory guidelines, City Ordinance No. 0617-23 series of 2023, and the integration of Artificial Intelligence in durian production.
Antonio Obsioma, CAgrO’s Officer-In-Charge told the City Information Office that the technical forum serves as an avenue for farmers to improve their crop yield, quality, and profitability, ensuring they remain competitive locally and internationally.
He said that the event allowed farmers to voice concerns and engage in direct discussions with CAgrO officials.
“Ang highlight today is katong mga industry [Durian Industry] situation [and] standards from PQS (The highlight today is Durian Industry Situation and the standards from PQS), and I’m happy to be here because as I said, I can listen to them and identify some issues, and hopefully we can do something at our level),” he said.
“This is beneficial because [through this] we will be able to come up with more effective and responsive services for them,” he added.
Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, in his speech delivered by Obsioma, reaffirmed Davao City’s position as the primary producer of durian in the country.
He noted that a bilateral agreement between the Philippines and China has opened access to an estimated 50,000 metric tons of durian exports to the Chinese market.
Duterte also acknowledged the challenges the industry faces despite its continued growth, stressing the importance of such forums in providing opportunities for farmers, traders, and stakeholders, to share their expertise and best practices.
He described the event as a significant step toward finding solutions and innovations that will drive sustainable growth in the sector.
“It is our hope that we will continue to work hand in hand as we further drive the Davao durian industry to greater heights,” he said. CIO
