The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Department of Agriculture (DA) show strong support to boost export of agribased products with high global demand. Secretary William Dar of the DA during the Export Development Council (EDC) meeting acknowledged that partnership between DA and DTI is significant in order to supply the demand of export market and to develop other potential crops for export.

EDC Executive Driector Senen Perlada reported that DTI- Export Marketing Bureau (EMB) has identified four (4) agribased products that have high global demand namely calamansi, ube, pili and mango. He suggested to Secretary Dar that the propagation of these products be included in the DA’s programs. Mr. Ferdie Marañon, EDC representative from Mindanao also raised during the said meeting that there is a recurring problem with the production of cardava (saba) in their region citing that small farmers of cavendish have limited knowledge in growing this variety of banana.

In response, Secretary Dar emphasized that the DA is assisting small farmers by their provision of seedlings and conduct of trainings in growing and production of “saba”. He added that Php50Million was earmarked for the seedlings. Moreover, Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ACEF) is available to finance projects and activities that will help enhance the competitiveness of the agriculture sector. This fund is specifically designed for MSMEs for their capital outlay expenditure and other similar expenses. – PKC