CARDAVA banana and singkamas (yam bean) from Davao Region, with a total volume of 17.20 metric tons, are set to reach Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) XI, together with GERB Golden Hands Corporation, led the ceremonial send-off on Friday, July 24, in Barangay Tibal-og, Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte.
“Exported by GERB Golden Hands Corporation, the shipment marks another significant achievement in DA-11’s continuing efforts to strengthen market linkages and expand international opportunities for Davao Region’s agricultural products,” DA XI said in a press statement.
GERB Golden Hands Corporation said the produce bound for Saudi Arabia is of premium quality as it followed strict plant care and quality standards to meet international requirements.
DA XI said the export shipment is a direct result of the market linkage established during the AGRA Middle East Exhibition 2024 held at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
During the exhibition, DA XI and GERB Golden Hands Corporation promoted the region’s agricultural products to potential international buyers.
The send-off ceremony was also attended by regional technical director for operations Marie Ann M. Constantino, AMAD chief Janet F. Dobli and team, and Gabriel Luke Lazarus of GERB Golden Hands Corporation.
DA XI regional executive director Macario D. Gonzaga emphasized that this export reflects the agency’s support for banana farmers and the entire agricultural sector in Davao Region.
In this program, DA XI stressed that the farmers are the greatest beneficiaries as they are provided better access to more competitive markets while proudly representing Philippine agriculture on the international stage.
To note, a batch of fresh Saba/Cardava bananas from Davao Region was shipped to Auckland, New Zealand, on Friday, July 11.
The export is bound for Fresh Produce Group NZ Ltd., a New Zealand-based grower, marketer, and exporter that supplies premium fresh fruit and vegetables globally.
The shipment consists of a 40-foot refrigerated container carrying 1,400 boxes of bananas, with each box weighing 12 kilograms.
The agency earlier said it is expecting more regular shipments in the coming months as market confidence for Saba bananas continues to grow.
