Davao durian exporters eye China market

Davao City is popular for its durian. PHOTO FROM DAVAO CITY WEBSITE

By Janine Alexis Miguel

DURIAN stakeholders in Davao City gear up for the exportation of the province's most abundant fruit in the China export market.

At least 54,000 metric tons of premium fresh durian is estimated to be exported this year in China. This is in line with the export deal secured by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his state visit in China last January.

According to the Department of Agriculture (DA), Puyat, Duyaya and D101 were among the varieties to be exported because of its "golden yellow flesh and pleasant taste."

"I think the Philippines has a very big potential in the export market, especially with our good varieties," said Emmanuel Belviz, Durian Industry Association of Davao City president and Belviz Farms owner.

Belviz also said that this exportation is both a blessing and a responsibility.

Speaking in English and Filipino, Belviz said it is a blessing because they have a market and a good price while it is a challenge because it is an export market.

He added that they needed to produce better fruits and safer food "dahil maraming certifications ang kailangan (because more certifications are needed)."

Another durian grower, Eng Seng Food Products, shared their excitement over the opening of China market for durian exportation.

John Tan, Eng Seng Food Products chief executive officer, said they are excited because China is the biggest market for durian.

"Expect na kung open na ang China market, target namin talaga weekly meron tayong container van export," Tan said, adding that the food company targets to export 300 to 500 container vans of durian for the first year.

Belviz and Tan shared the same sentiment that the production of quality durians lies first in farmers who were trained by the Agriculture department to ensure quality production.

The DA Regional Field Offices are eyeing areas for the expansion of durian production in line with the directives of President Marcos and DA Senior Secretary Domingo Panganiban.