Bicol and the rest of the country will definitely feel the pili nut craze of countries in the European Union (EU), now that the export deal for the product will push through. Thus, said Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, in the reaction to the resumption of dried pili nut exports from the Philippines to the EU, as announced by Malacañang. "The resumption of the exportation of dried pili nuts to the European Union, will undoubtedly benefit the pili industry in Bicol and improve the economy of the region. This is a welcome development and we are committed to promoting the growth and competitiveness of our local farmers in the global market," Co said in a statement on Sunday, March 12. The Palace announced on Monday that the EU had authorized the inclusion of dried pili nuts in the list of novel foods that may be sold in the EU market after the product passed its food safety and labeling requirements. The temporary halt of pili nut exports to the EU was caused by the enforcement of new EU rules for novel foods in 2015. Pili nuts are a buttery-tasting nut that is native to the Philippines and mostly grown by Bicol farmers. The Bicol region is the country's top pili producer, having almost 1,800 hectares, or 90 percent, of the nut's total production area in the Philippines. In 2021, it was credited for 84 percent of the total production volume, at 4,932.60 metric tons, according to Philippine Statistics Authority data. Co, chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations,  sees the resumption of pili nut exports to the EU as a welcome development that will benefit local pili processors and exporters, including thousands of pili farmers. This opportunity enables them to gain more income from higher value commodities, he said. He also acknowledged that diversifying exports is one strategy being utilized for the Philippine economy to become more resilient against adverse global shocks. The major export markets for Philippine pili include the United States, the United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, and Canada. With the resumption of pili nut exports to the EU, it is expected that the Philippine pili industry will continue to flourish and contribute to the country's economic growth, Co said.