Some 1,800 kilograms (kg) of okra or lady's fingers were flown to South Korea by Philippine Airlines (PAL) in what has been described as a "milestone" for the Philippine agri-business sector.
The shipment of Philippine okra--the first of its kind for Korea--was carried via the Manila to Incheon flight PR8648 Sunday, June 6.
"Today's cargo flight is a milestone for the Philippine agri-business sector. It reflects the business opportunities that new markets - like Korea - are currently giving the farming and export sectors," the flag-carrier said in a statement.
Okra is also being imported to Japan. It was last May when Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary William Dar announced that the country would start exporting the vegetable to another Asian neighbor in Korea.
The DA chief said exports of fresh, green okra pods will be sourced initially from Tarlac province, where agency-accredited farms and packing houses are located.
The Philippine government has been requesting market access of okra to Korea since 2014.
To celebrate the expanded exportation of okra, a send off ceremony was held Sunday morning at the PAL International Cargo Terminal.
Dar, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez, and repesentatives from other agencies/organizations such as the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Bureau of Plant Industry, Philippine Okra Producers and Exporters Association were present to witness the acceptance and cargo-loading of the 1,800 kg of okra.