THE MINDANAO Development Authority (MinDA) tapped the help of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) to boost durian production in Southern Philippines.
In a statement, MinDA emphasized KOICA’s broader project support during a meeting in KOICA headquarters, Seoul, South Korea.
MinDA chairperson, Secretary Leo Tereso A. Magno, led the Mindanao delegation to South Korea, and lauded KOICA and the Center for Asian Mission for the Poor (CAMP) International for seeing the potential of the durian project.
“By strengthening durian producer cooperatives, introducing organic fertilizer trials, piloting frozen durian production, and developing branding strategies, this project is helping transform Mindanao’s durian industry into a globally competitive sector,” Magno said.
In the meeting, KOICA director general Chung You-ah of the Department of Partnership Program announced the agency’s upcoming Sustainable Agriculture Enhancement Project.
The project seeks to improve farmers’ income across Mindanao, especially by scaling up durian production in the Davao Region and other parts of Mindanao to meet rising export demand.
Apart from durian, agribusiness, fisheries, logistics, and Public-Private Partnerships, with value-addition and marketing support for cacao, banana, aqua-marine products, and other tropical fruits were priority areas for collaboration.
KOICA and the CAMP International have been in partnership with MinDA in positioning Mindanao in the global agribusiness and rural development through the Sustainable Agricultural Environment Establishment Project with durian producer cooperatives in Mindanao.
To note, KOICA launched in 2023 a project with a total funding of approximately USD 740,000 that supports durian farmers in Tugbok and Calinan Districts of Davao City.
The project has led to the establishment of the Davao Mt. Apo Farmers Agriculture Cooperative (DAMAFACO), where beneficiaries now have access to facilities, including a consolidation center with cold storage, a transport vehicle, and marketing support for frozen durian products.
They were also trained in eco-friendly farming skills, infrastructure support, and other capacity-building activities.
“KOICA reaffirmed its commitment to empowering local farmers and strengthening the agricultural sector through sustainable and inclusive development efforts,” MinDA stated.
The meeting was attended by Dinagat Governor Nilo Demerey Jr., Misamis Occidental Governor Henry S. Oaminal, 1st District Congressman Jason P. Almonte of Misamis Occidental, Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan II, and National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) Secretary Sabuddin Abdurahim. Also present was Assistant Secretary Romeo Montenegro of MinDA.
KOICA was represented by director general Chung You-ah of the Department of Partnership Program, director Park Kumok, manager Choi Misun, and Rev. Chulyong Lee, president of CAMP International.
“This strengthened partnership underscores MinDA’s leadership in advancing agribusiness, fisheries, and logistics, with durian as a flagship industry for export and development — and signals that more projects are on the way to uplift Mindanao’s farmers and communities,” MinDA added.
