At least 10,000 jobs are expected to be generated for the Filipinos in the $2 billion fruit deal between the Philippines and China, the Department of Agriculture (DA) revealed on Thursday, Jan. 12.
The deal, which primarily includes durian and other tropical fruits, is worth $2.09 billion and was sealed through the “Protocol of the Phytosanitary Requirements for Export of Fresh Durians from the Philippines to China" that was signed during President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s state visit to China on Jan. 4.
“he project is expected to generate at least 10,000 direct and indirect jobs from the bilateral venture,” the agriculture department said in a statement.
DA Undersecretary Domingo F. Panganiban said the country will initially export durian from the list of registered farms in major durian production areas of Davao City, Davao del Sur, and North Cotabato.
“We hope and anticipate that this will be a major breakthrough that we should avail of and hope that we should be able to maintain a good relationship with China in the long run,” he said.
In fact, Panganiban said that the Chinese companies including the Dole (Shanghai) Fruits and Vegetables Trading Co., Ltd/Dole China, Prestige International Co. Ltd., Shanghai Goodfarmer Group, and the Dashang Group already made purchase commitments worth $260 million for 2023.
Production expansion
The agriculture department is currently gearing up for the expansion of the country’s production of durian and other high-value crops following the recent state visit that secured a $2-billion fruit deal.
In a meeting, Panganiban and Assistant Secretary for Operations Arnel De Mesa discussed with concerned Regional Executive Directors (REDs) and Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) officials the necessary measures on how to boost the durian production of the Philippines to cater to the demand of the Chinese market.
Panganiban has instructed REDs to immediately identify the potential areas for expansion and formulate the necessary work and financial plans to sustain the durian export.
The Regional Field Offices (RFOs) will also carry out capacity-building activities, ensure the production of market-preferred varieties, develop packing houses, and help with marketing in coordination with the BPI and the High-Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP), which is headed by Gerald Glenn Panganiban.
As such, Panganiban vowed that the BPI will give support in accreditation, PhilGAP certification, and protocol implementation, among others.
“The REDs are expected to present their action plans in the next DA Operations Management Group meeting.”