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Kapalong co-op ships cacao beans to New Zealand

by Nova Mae Francas
written by Nova Mae Francas

A TOTAL of six metric tons of premium dried fermented cacao beans were shipped out to New Zealand from Panabo Port, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)- Davao del Norte announced on Tuesday.

“After more than a decade, the Province of Davao del Norte has officially marked its return to the international arena for premium dried fermented cacao beans,” DTI Davao del Norte said in a press release.

This ceremonial shipment is bannered by the Kapalong Cooperative, to Rautini Lmtd, a premium cacao bean trader based in New Zealand, operating primarily within the Asia-Pacific region to engage in offshore projects that improve farm returns and provide direct market access. 

DA said Rautini’s partnership with the Kapalong Cooperative aims to connect local primary processors to New Zealand’s strict food safety and premium quality market standards.

“By capturing the taste of the international premium market, we aren’t just exporting beans—we are uplifting the livelihoods of our local farmers and solidifying Davao Del Norte’s status as a key player in the global cacao value chain,” the agency said in a statement.

Macario D. Gonzaga, ​PRDP project director and regional executive director of Department of Agriculture XI, said the international breakthrough was a long-term result of strategic networking.

​”The seeds of this exact international linkage were sown during the National Cacao Congress in 2025. This shipment is a powerful testament to the cooperative’s slogan, ’empowering lives and communities,” Gonzaga said.

DA said the partnership was facilitated by public-private-cooperative collaboration. 

Jerald S. Javison, Kapalong Cooperative value chain manager, lauded the PRDP I-REAP interventions for establishing sustainable market links that allow local cooperative members to access better livelihoods.

“Kapalong Cooperative is a major beneficiary and partner of the DA-PRDP, helping the organization transition from a struggling cooperative to a highly profitable entity,” Javison said.

In 2014, the cooperative received the P24.8-million Cacao Production and Beans Marketing Enterprise subproject from PRDP that includes production inputs, fermentation and drying facilities, and hauling trucks.

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Community

740 Mawab farmers receive free fertilizer from DA-RFO XI

by Contributor
written by Contributor

MAWAB, Davao de Oro – A total of 740 rice farmers in the Municipality of Mawab received free fertilizer through the Department of Agriculture XI (DA XI) Fertilizer Assistance Program during a two-day distribution held on June 25 and 26, 2026.

The fertilizer distribution was conducted at P1 Mawab Cooperative as part of the national government’s continuing efforts to support local rice farmers by reducing production costs and improving crop yields.

The assistance aims to help farmers sustain rice production amid rising agricultural expenses while strengthening food security in the community.

Under the leadership of Mayor Myrill Apit, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Mawab continues to collaborate with national government agencies to bring more agricultural programs and services to the municipality. The partnership seeks to ensure that more farmers benefit from government interventions that promote productivity and improve livelihoods.

Mayor Apit emphasized the importance of supporting the municipality’s farmers, saying that agriculture remains a cornerstone of Mawab’s economy.

“Our farmers are at the heart of Mawab’s progress. By working closely with our national government partners, we will continue to provide programs that ease the burden on our farmers, increase their productivity, and strengthen our community’s food security. When our farmers thrive, the whole municipality prospers,” Apit said.

The LGU also expressed its gratitude to DA-RFO XI for its continued support of the town’s agricultural sector, emphasizing the importance of sustained assistance for local farmers.

According to the municipal government, strengthening agriculture remains one of its key priorities through programs that increase farm productivity, improve farmers’ income, and contribute to the municipality’s overall food security.

Local officials reiterated that empowering farmers is essential to the town’s development, stressing that a strong agricultural sector is the foundation of a stronger and more resilient Mawab. 

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Environment

Group urges conservation ahead of World Bee Day, warns vs synthetic fertilizers

by Contributor
written by Contributor

BY JUSTINE ADRIAN AMORA/UM Intern

THE BEEKEEPERS Network Philippines Foundation Inc raised awareness on the importance of bees to the global food supply since they support entire ecosystems as pollinators.

Epifanio C. Loyola, foundation president and also chairman of the Regional Agri-fishery Council of the Department of Agriculture XI, delivered a speech on May 18 on the celebration of World Bee Day on May 20.

“Ito’y pagpapansin ng mga— lalo na sa magsasaka— na talagang ka-partner nila ang bees sa pagsasaka. Without bees, wala tayong pagkain. Halos 80% ng kinakain natin is pollinated by bees,” said Loyola.

Loyola proceeded to discuss the bee production in Davao City, one of which is the stingless bee or “Kiwot,” which are known to he highly efficient pollinators for local crops including mango, coconuts, and various fruit trees.

He also warned about the usage of synthetic fertilizers and how it harms the population of bees.

“Kung ang [mga] bee ang mawala, dahil sa pag gamit natin ng mga synthetic na mga fertilizer, namamatay sila. Anong mangyari ngayon sa ating mga pagkain, mga pananim natin, especially yung mga vegetables, yung mga fruit trees na kailangan ng pollination?” He added.

Loyola also mentioned the Apis florea, one of the smallest bee in the world and was last seen in 1937, and was again seen on Davao City in 2023. Through their study and investigation, they were able to discover more on the Island Garden City of Samal, which are responsible for making the delicious taste of the mangoes there.

In line with this, the Bureau of Agricultural Research partnered with the University of the Philippines Los Baños to conduct a study on June 6 to assess the contribution of bees to mango production in Davao and identify ways to protect them.

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News

DA XI reports P117-M agriculture loss in two Davao Region areas

by Gio Tanudtanud
written by Gio Tanudtanud

THE DEPARTMENT of Agriculture (DA) XI – Disaster Risk Reduction Management Unit (DRRM) has validated an estimated P117 million worth of crops in Davao del Sur and Davao City due to moisture stress as of Jan 2026.

According to DA XI regional DRRM focal Joedel Leliza, around P76-M is rice, P26-M for corn, and about P14-M for high-value crops. The bulk of the damage is in Davao del Sur, specifically in Matanao and Bansalan.

In anticipation of El Niño, Leliza said the agency has laid out strategies to mitigate its impacts that involve the help of LGUs in monitoring field conditions, particularly the water supply of irrigation systems. 

Climate advisories based on the DOST-PAGASA forecasts are also part of the strategies to collect weather data for the farmers.

The other strategy involves the maximization of less vulnerable areas to cope with the production requirements of the Philippines.

“We need to boost the production of our areas that are less vulnerable. So we provided them with feeds, fertilizers, and other production inputs,” Leliza said during the Kapehan sa Dabaw on May 11.

PAGASA Complex Station weather specialist II of Davao Engr. Alan Ray Ribo said the approaching El Niño has a probability of approximately 62 percent, and the probability will possibly rise to 79 percent.

He added that the temperature and heat index will also rise to nearly 41 degrees Celsius. In the previous months, the Philippines has experienced below-normal rainfall and is expected to have low chances of above-normal rainfall in the coming months.

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Business

Agriculture’s slow growth rate due to weather conditions, pests, and diseases

by Nova Mae Francas
written by Nova Mae Francas

AGRICULTURE, forestry, and fishing reported a slow growth of 1.9% from 2024, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (XI) Economic Performance of Davao region for 2025 Report on Thursday. 

Jocelyn Gerones, Department of Agriculture XI Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Division officer, agriculture is the most sensitive when it comes to weather conditions frequenting the region.

“Agriculture is very vulnerable to weather conditions, La Niña, El Niño, typhoons, is a big concern for agricultural damage,” Gerones told TIMES, noting these affect the production. 

Gerones added that the low growth can also be attributed to pests and diseases such as influenza in animals and livestock, especially hog production. 

The PSA XI reported that the economy of the Davao Region in 2025 reached a value of P1.14 trillion, reflecting a 5.1 percent growth compared to 2024.

The agency said this is the region’s third consecutive year of sustaining a trillion-peso economy, securing its position as the fifth-largest regional economy in the Philippines.

However, of the share of major industries for the economy of the region, where Services logged 62.1%, and Industries had 24.7, agriculture, forestry, and fishing had the lowest share with 13.2%.

Of the P1.14 trillion, the industry logged a share of P149.68 billion, where crops logged the highest with 65.8%; livestock and poultry and other animals (19.7%); support activities (11.1%); fishing (3.4%), and forestry (0.01%).

Taking a closer look at the industry, of the major industries, while the agriculture, forestry, and fishing industry logged a positive growth, the rate is slow. 

From 2023, the industry reached a value of P147.45 billion, which decelerated to P146.90 billion in 2024 but rebounded to P149.68 billion in 2025.

Gerones said that while this is a slow growth, the region is still hopeful for the industry as it has continued to increase in economic value.

“Although wala kaayo nag increase, gikan man gud sa negative growth, so nag positive karon maong di kaayo makita ang increase, but at least nag positive,” she said.

DA XI continues to conduct seed subsidy, fertilizer assistance, and provision of planting materials to the farmers as per the request of the local government unit and walk-in clients.

Gerones said the agency is focusing on the yield of the rice production in the region, as it continues to be dependent on other regions, such as Region 12, among others, which is more than 100% sufficient.

As of 2025, the region’s rice sufficiency level is only 56%, attributed to the area of rice plantation. 

Since the region cannot expand to the rice area, as its strength is more in high-value crops, Gerones said the agency is working on increasing the yield. 

The agency is developing the techno-demo for rice varieties and the provision of fertilizers, focused on the maximum yield. 

“Those varieties that we get from techno-demo, mao to among gipresent sa farmers, so our challenge is how the farmers adapt to these new varieties,” she said.

The agency provides hybrid rice seeds of one bag per hectare, and fertilizers for inbred varieties, and fertilizer assistance to techno-demo fields. 

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Business

Region XI exports eel to China 

by Nova Mae Francas
written by Nova Mae Francas

A HISTORIC first for the country’s aquaculture industry, as the first-ever two-ton Philippine eel from Davao Region was exported to China. 

The Department of Agriculture- Davao Region (DA-XI) said the export of the Philippine eel to China marked another milestone in the country’s aquaculture industry in the global market.

“As the first shipment of Philippine eel to China, this ceremony not only opens a new export pathway but also highlights the growing global demand for Philippine aquatic products,” the DA XI said in a statement on Saturday, March 21.

The agency said that the shipment was valued at approximately ₱461,991 or 7,696 USD.

DA XI, in partnership with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), led the ceremonial send-off at the cargo terminal of the Davao International Airport.

Supplied by Maylong Enterprises Corporation and purchased by China’s Runkong Foods, this is the Philippines’ initial entry into the Chinese market for eel.

The agency hoped this would signal new opportunities for high-value aquaculture exports from the Davao Region, positioning it as a key player in delivering world-class, export-ready products to the global market.

The export was a direct offshoot of the participation of the Davao Region in the 2025 China International Import Expo (CIIE) last November 5-10, 2025, in Shanghai, China.

During the five-day expo, strategic engagements and market linkages were established with international buyers.

The ceremonial send-off was led by DA XI regional technical director for operations Marie Ann M. Constantino, regional technical director for research and regulations Zabdiel L. Zacarias, the DA XI Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), BFAR-XI Regional Fisheries Training and Fisherfolk Coordination Division OIC Renee Enriquez, Maylong Enterprises Corporation chief operating officer May Li, and Runkong Foods officials.

“This milestone demonstrates the viability of our aquaculture sector and affirms our capacity to meet global standards. It sends a strong signal to the international market that Davao Region can deliver both quality and scale,” Macario D. Gonzaga, DA XI regional executive director, said.

Gonzaga said the export reflects the country’s growing role in globally integrated agriculture in line with the agency’s mandate to expand market access, enhance the competitiveness of local producers, and promote value-adding products.

BFAR XI regional director Relly B. Garcia reaffirmed the agency’s support in ensuring product quality, strengthening production systems, and providing assistance to exporters in complying with international food safety and trade standards.

Photo: Agri Info Davao

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Business

DA: Food prices rise slightly with no major impact from fuel hike

by Contributor
written by Contributor

BY LIZA BELLE L. PATAGOC/DNSC Intern

THE DEPARTMENT of Agriculture (DA) noted a slight increase in food prices amid the successive fuel adjustments, with officials assuring the public that the increase is minimal. 

During the Kapehan sa PIA  briefing on March 19 at NCCC Mall of Ma-a, DA XI said it is actively monitoring the prices of all agricultural commodities to protect the public from unfair price manipulation.

“The Department of Agriculture Region XI is really monitoring our prices, all agricultural commodities. Kung naa man tay makita nga naga-manipulate na sa prices, of course, we have our regulatory agencies nga pwedeng modakop gyud sa ilaha,” said Agnes Cecilia Roble, DA XI Agribusiness Industry Support Section chief.

She emphasized that while fuel prices may be high, the slight increase in food prices remains manageable for households, and urged consumers to be mindful of their food consumption to avoid wastage.

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Business

National Durian Industry Summit 2025 opens in Davao City

by Ian Ray Garcia
written by Ian Ray Garcia

THE DISTINCTIVE aroma of opportunity filled the air at the Grand Men Seng Hotel on Tuesday, Nov. 25, as the National Durian Industry Summit 2025 officially opened, bringing together the country’s top agricultural leaders and stakeholders to chart the future of the “King of Fruits.”

​The two-day summit kicked off with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting at the hotel lobby, led by Durian Industry Association of Davao City (DIADC) president Emmanuel Belviz. He was joined by key dignitaries including Department of Agriculture (DA) Assistant Secretary Philip Yang, DA XI executive director Macario Gonzaga, Bureau of Plant Industry director Gerald Glenn Panganiban, and DOST XI regional director Dr. Anthony Sales.

Underscoring the international significance of the trade, Consul General of China Zhao Xiuzhen and Consul General of Malaysia Deddy Faisal Ahmad Salleh were also in attendance.

​Hundreds of durian farmers, growers, processors, exporters, and researchers from across the Philippines gathered for the event, signaling a united front to elevate the Philippine durian on the world stage.

​​Gonzaga set the tone for the summit, emphasizing the government’s commitment to the sector.

​”This is a strategic investment and the future of an industry that holds immense promise not only for Davao Region but for the entire country,” Gonzaga stated.

​He affirmed that the DA recognizes the “bright, transformative” future of the industry, pledging continued support through the High-Value Crops Development Program. This includes market development, investment assistance, and aligned interventions that place durian farmers at the heart of agricultural progress.
​
​During the opening program, Belviz presented a reality check regarding the Philippines’ standing in the global market. While global trade for durian is projected to reach a staggering 4.5 billion kilograms by 2030, the Philippines currently holds a small slice of the pie.

​Belviz reported that as of 2023, Indonesia (39.36%), Thailand (31.49%), and Vietnam (17.02%) dominate world production, while the Philippines holds only a 1.67% production share. In terms of exports, Thailand leads with a massive 61.16% share, overshadowing the Philippines’ 0.306%.

​Rodel Narvaez, public relations officer of the Durian Exporters Association of the Philippines, highlighted that while Davao Region contributes 75% of the country’s 70,000-80,000 metric ton annual yield, the industry faces significant hurdles. These include uncontrolled nursery practices, fragmentation of government efforts, climate change phenomena like La Niña, and a lack of a cohesive national strategy.

​Narvaez also addressed quality concerns regarding the popular “Puyat” variety. While known for its strong flavor and excellent eating quality, it often faces issues with visual appeal—such as soft thorns, molds, and inconsistent maturity—which lowers its market value compared to competitors.

Consequently, global exports saw a decrease in 2024 due to China’s stricter quality controls and aggressive market competition.
​
​Despite these challenges, the data shows an industry experiencing explosive growth. Narvaez noted that the Philippines’ world durian export volume has skyrocketed from a mere 540 metric tons in 2021 to 16,073 metric tons in 2024—representing a staggering 2,876.48% growth.

​Infrastructure is also catching up. Belviz noted that the number of durian exporters in Davao has jumped from just four in 2023 to 23 in 2025. Furthermore, there are now 26 durian packing houses and 795 registered farms covering over 1,800 hectares.

​Commercial success is already being realized. Just earlier this month, during the China International Import Expo in Shanghai on November 5, three Davao-based exporters clinched deals with Chinese importers worth US$36.6 million.
​
​To sustain this momentum, Narvaez suggested establishing a distinct “National Identity” for Philippine durian, positioning its bold flavor profile as a premium standard while adhering to sustainable production practices.

​Belviz added that while the export market is lucrative, the local market remains a sleeping giant with high potential due to currently low local consumption rates.

​To date, Philippine durian has reached markets in China, Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, the UAE, South Korea, Japan, the USA, Australia, the UK, and Taiwan. The industry is now eyeing entry into new territories, including New Zealand, Egypt, and Uzbekistan.

​As the two-day summit continues, the focus remains clear: transforming the Philippine durian industry from a promising contender into a global powerhouse.

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Business

Davao Regional Coffee Council boosts efforts to develop industry

by Admin
written by Admin

BY ARNELYN L. LAPATIS & MEKYLA JANE TICAR/CMU Interns

THE DAVAO Regional Coffee Council is intensifying efforts to develop the industry by connecting consumers with farmers and expanding plantation areas. 

During the PEP Talks on Friday, July 10, Gerome Sumagaysay, a representative from the Davao Regional Coffee Council, highlighted that the region is pushing for transparency in coffee production through the Davao Coffee Tour.

“Transparency is a factor in how a coffee is appreciated. The Davao Coffee Tour will give an opportunity for awareness to our consumers. They always ask kasi why our coffee is expensive, but then, they don’t know the process of coffee, so it’s very unappreciative to some people,” Sumagaysay explained.

Sumagaysay also said that marketing Davao coffee could attract more investors, leading to long-term economic benefits and helping empower farmers across the region.

“[It boosts] the market. Then, this will also give us more investors. More investors mean more quality of production, and more production means more livelihood, and then we can empower our farmers,” he added.

However, Sumagaysay said the country continues to face a shortage of local coffee supply. So, the government intends to develop more coffee farms to address the shortage.

“The High Value Crops Development Program plans to expand the dedicated coffee farms into 20,000, I think,” Sumagaysay said.

Sumagaysay also highlighted the role of the Regional Coffee Innovation Center, led by the Department of Agriculture (DA), in improving coffee quality through research and training.

“We are now experimenting with fermentation, which could enhance and customize the flavor of your coffee. They also teach roasting to farmers, where it would add great value to their coffee, unlike selling their coffee beans alone. Farmers are trained to roast beans and conduct cupping sessions,” he said.

Marie Ann Magno Constantino , DA XI regional technical director, confirmed the agency’s leadership in the initiative, like it’s partnership with the Davao del Sur State College, for instance.

“The project that he was telling us about is a partner agency led by the DA in coordination with the DSSC. That is one way of educating our people, educating our young ones, about what is in the coffee and how to come up with the better or the best coffee,” Constantino said.

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Business

Coffee and cacao tour package part of for agri-tourism: DOT XI

by Admin
written by Admin

BY MARIANNE MARIE FLORES MASOCOL & PIO LLOYD BAGUIO/DSSC Interns

THE DEPARTMENT of Tourism Region XI (DOT XI) announced the launch of coffee and cacao tour packages, which will become one of Davao’s key agri-tourism showcases.  

DOT XI regional director Tanya Rabat-Tan announced the initiative during PEP Talks held on July 11, 2025, at SM Lanang.

“We’re gaining strength in coffee and, of course, sa cacao, 80% cacao production in the Philippines is coming from here in Region XI,” she said. 

Presently, the cacao and coffee tours have already jumped off in Balutakay, Kapatagan, Tibolo, Santa Cruz, and Davao City. 

With the DA XI providing data and assistance, farms interested in joining will be assessed using DOT XI’s criteria. 

Additionally, the initiative also targets to create more livelihood opportunities, encourage organic farming, community-based tourism, and longer tourist stays.

“This is just the beginning,” DOT XI RD Tanya Rabat-Tan said, “and one way of telling everyone that we have these tours already. So, please come and visit us here and experience the cacao and coffee, and meet the people behind these beans.”

Mary Ann Magno Constantino, regional technical director Department of Agriculture XI, said they are collaborating with the DOT XI, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and Department of Science and Technology to promote Davao as a “high-value crops region.”

“The DA cannot do it alone on the production, nagpo-produce na tayo. But in terms of its promotion, that it will be recognized on the marketing aspect, as well as the social and economic, which need collaboration with each other,” she said.

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