Agriculture Secretary affirms mango industry backing

By BEVERLY PAOYON

GUMASA, Glan, Sarangani (October 3, 2011)- Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala guaranteed the Philippine mango industry with his department’s support as he graced the 13th National Mango Congress at Isla Jardin del Mar resort in Gumasa.

“Rest assured that the DA (Department of Agriculture) will continue with support programs including the establishment and rehabilitation of nurseries and foundation scion grove, household and village processing assistance and crop improvement especially for climate change adaptability,” Alcala told 322 registered delegates on September 30 at the end of the three-day congress.

Alcala reported a seven percent growth in the annual production of mangoes in 2010 which was reportedly “prompted by the continuous flower induction in Central Luzon, CALABARZON, Bicol Region and all the Visayas regions.”

However, a decline of 5.3 percent during the early months this year was noted. He said this was being caused by the changing weather conditions and the early rainy season which may have been triggered by climate change.

Last year, fresh mango exports reached 20,115 tons worth US$15.2 million. The country also exported dried and processed mangoes at 3,600 tons and 9,328 tons, respectively. The combined exports of fresh, dried, and processed mangoes last year earned a total of more than US$50 million, according to the Secretary.

Despite these figures, Alcala still noted a shortage in supply and urged growers and producers to plant more. He challenged them to surpass last year’s produce considering that the DA is working with the sector “in improving handling and transport systems.”

Alcala valued the importance of this year’s congress theme, “Positioning the Philippine Mango Strongly in the World Market,” to be relevantly timing with the huge demand for Philippine mango.

“I-ayos lamang po natin na matugunan po ang mga kailangan gawin ng industry upang patuloy na tangkilikin ng ibang bansa ang ating mangga. Ito po ay para sa inihahangad ng industry ng mangga sa pandaigdigang pamilihan at maging sa Pilipinas,” Alcala said.

Major mango producers in the country are Ilocos Region, Zamboanga Peninsula, Central Visayas, Central Luzon, and SOCSKSARGEN (South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos) area. (Beverly C. Paoyon/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)