Davsur Guv urges farmers to support PPP to boost mango industry

DIGOS CITY, Davao del Sur, Nov. 11 (PIA) – Governor Claude Bautista urged mango farmers to support the Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) program  of the national government which will help boost the mango industry in the province.

In a recent mango congress, Bautista raised the importance of partnership and cooperation among mango growers, local government units and national agencies as potential partners in making the industry grow competitively both in the domestic and foreign markets.

The governor made the point before 350 mango stakeholders from different local government units nationwide during the 16th National Mango Congress 2014 at the Hotel de Crisbelle in Digos City.

The congress hoped to intensify a drive to come up with more comprehensive strategies in making the mango industry a benchmark both in social and economic opportunities.

It also aimed at promoting quality mango production towards higher level of competency.

On a similar note, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala recognized the effort of the Philippine Mango Industry Foundation, Inc. (PMIFI) in initiating the mango congress.

The farmers, on the other hand, expressed their concerns to Alcala and asked that they be provided additional bee colonies to enhance pollination in areas of Zambales, while the province of Davao del Sur asked support for a processing plant in the province to intensify organic mango production.

Alcala had the opportunity to tour around the Derequito Mango Farm in Tanwalang, Sulop and at Lao Integrated Farms in Eman, Bansalan, Davao del Sur.

The mango congress was attended by the LGUs of Zambales, Pangasinan, Laguna, Rizal, Quezon City, General Santos City, Makati City, Isabela, Koronadal City, South Cotabato, Ilocos Norte, Cebu City, Iloilo, Nueva Ecija, Guimaras, Masbate, Manila, Bohol, Cagayan de Oro City, Pampanga, IGACOS,

Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, and Compostela Valley.

Officials and representatives from DA Regional Field Office and corporate agencies like Bayer Chem, BASF Chem, Macondray, PAL, Cebu Pacific and Jardin Agchem were also present during the gathering. (PLGU-Davao del Sur/Nilda S. Aniñon)