President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered urgent measures to safeguard the country’s banana industry in order to protect farmers’ livelihoods and preserve the Philippines’ standing in the global market.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said that following the President’s directive, the Department of Agriculture has already requested funding to assist banana farms, especially those operated by smallholder growers.
“Nagkaroon na rin po ng direktiba ang Pangulo patungkol po dito at humingi na rin po ang Department of Agriculture ng pondo para po sa pest and diseases para sa banana farmers,” Castro said during a press briefing on Thursday.
Banana growers’ concerns include pests and diseases threatening banana farms.
Castro said the government is working to resolve high seasonal tariffs in Japan—currently at 8 percent during summer and 18 percent during winter—which have hindered the competitiveness of Philippine bananas in one of its key markets.
She emphasized that the administration is expanding the production of the Cardaba variety for export to Australia, the United States, the Middle East, and other potential markets, while also promoting the export of steamed and frozen bananas alongside banana chips.
“Pinapalakas pa rin po ang production ng Banana Cardaba for exports… at pinapalakas na rin po ang pag-export ng steamed and frozen bananas, maliban pa po sa banana chips,” Castro said.
Banana is one of the most economically essential fruit crop commodities in the Philippines. The majority of banana varieties grown in the country are Cavendish, followed by Saba and Lakatan. The Saba/Cardaba variety is usually processed into banana chips for export, while Lakatan is consumed mainly as fresh fruit in the local market.
The President’s directive to address the concerns of the banana industry signifies significant efforts not only to recover market share in Japan and China but also to open new trade opportunities that will benefit farmers and ensure the industry’s long-term resilience. | PND
