As the country steps up its efforts to have its fresh produce penetrate premium overseas markets and create more income opportunities for Filipino farmers.
Recently, two major shipments were made to send two of the country’s top agricultural products tl various export destinations around the world.
MINDANAO PINEAPPLES
Last June 6, a send-off ceremony was led by yhe Department of Agriculture (DA), through the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) and Regional Field Office XII, at the Unifrutti Port in Davao City for the fresh Philippine pineapples bound for Khorfakkan Port in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The move is part of the Philippines’ significant push in the Middle East fruit market as premium fresh pineapples from Mindanao, with the shipment consisting of 18 metric tons of fresh MD2 pineapples packed in 1,500 boxes and sourced from farms in Tampakan, South Cotabato.
The cargo is expected to arrive in the UAE on June 25 or 26 via commercial shipping vessel despite severe logistical bottlenecks.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. described the milestone as a strategic step in expanding overseas markets for Philippine agricultural products while creating broader economic benefits for farming communities.
“Every box of Philippine produce that reaches a new or existing market represents more income for farmers, more jobs for workers, and more value created at home. That is why we are aggressively pursuing new export opportunities for Philippine agriculture,” Tiu Laurel said.
He added, “Our goal is not merely to export more products but to build a stronger and more competitive farm sector where Filipino farmers directly benefit from global market opportunities.”
By connecting local growers to high-value markets such as the UAE, the DA looks to encourage greater investments in agricultural production, create sustainable livelihood opportunities, and help rural communities become active participants in economic growth.
The export breakthrough notably comes despite persistent logistical disruptions and elevated freight costs linked to the ongoing Red Sea crisis, which the Department said underscores the resilience of Philippine exporters and the growing competitiveness of the country’s high-value crops sector.
The DA said the successful shipment also demonstrates the industry’s ability to comply with stringent international phytosanitary standards and UAE import requirements, paving the way for future exports to the Gulf region.
This initiative also supports the administration’s efforts to narrow the country’s agricultural trade gap, which remained substantial at USD11.1 billion in 2025 despite a 5-percent improvement from the previous year.
GUIMARAS MANGOES
Meanwhile, the Philippines is stepping up efforts to expand the global reach of Guimaras mangoes, with a new export shipment bound for Europe and Hong Kong.
Last June 9, around 200 kilograms of fresh mangoes from Kokomojo Mango Farm in Sibunag, Guimaras was shipped, with 50 kilograms bound for the Netherlands, 50 kilograms for Belgium, and 100 kilograms for Hong Kong.
The DA noted that despite the shipment being modest in volume, it carries strategic significance as The Belgium and Netherlands consignments are intended as promotional “patikim” exports aimed at introducing Guimaras mangoes to prospective buyers and industry stakeholders in Europe — where demand for premium tropical fruits continues to grow.
Brussels will serve as the European port of entry for the European shipment.
As for the Hong Kong shipment, it was distributed to diplomats and guests during celebrations for the 128th Philippine Independence Day last June 12, providing another platform to showcase one of the country’s most recognizable agricultural products.
The export initiative was supported by the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), with its Guimaras National Crop Research, Development and Production Support Center having assisted growers in implementing production technologies and good agricultural practices, while the Plant Product Safety Services Division conducted maximum residue limit testing to verify compliance with pesticide standards imposed by importing countries.
The National Plant Quarantine Services Division then facilitated export permits and phytosanitary certification.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. noted, “Every new export market we open creates opportunities not only for our farmers but also for workers involved in processing, logistics, packaging, and distribution.”
He added, “Expanding market access allows our producers to secure better prices, increase incomes, and invest in improving productivity, helping drive inclusive growth in rural communities.”
The shipment also reflects a broader push to diversify Philippine agricultural exports beyond traditional markets and by leveraging science-based regulation, quality assurance, and traceability systems, the government is seeking to position Philippine fruits more competitively in premium international segments.