Mindanao Mango Industry Eyes Greater Market Reach, Higher Value for Farmers

AGRI-NEWS | Farming Posted on 2026-08-12 23:22:06

DAVAO CITY — The Department of Agriculture in Davao Region (DA-11) has called on mango growers and industry stakeholders to raise productivity, strengthen value-adding initiatives, widen market access and ensure that farmers receive a greater share of the industry's economic gains as the 2nd Mindanao Mango Congress opened Wednesday.

DA-11 Regional Director Macario Gonzaga emphasized the importance of expanding markets for Mindanao mangoes, both within the Philippines and overseas, where locally produced mangoes have growing opportunities to compete.

Gonzaga said Davao mangoes are poised to enter the markets of South Korea and Japan following assessments conducted by David Park, president of Sae Kyoung Co. of South Korea, and representatives of Wismettac Foods Inc. of Japan.

He stressed that farmers remain at the center of the mango industry and must have access to modern technology, financing, infrastructure, processing facilities and stable markets to improve productivity and strengthen the identity and quality of Mindanao mangoes.

“Farmers are the heart of this industry. We must create more opportunities for them through technology, financing, infrastructure, processing and reliable markets,” Gonzaga said.

He also underscored the need to strengthen the entire mango value chain, covering production, post-harvest management, processing, packaging and marketing.

“We need to invest in postharvest facilities to reduce losses and maintain quality. We also need to encourage processing and value-adding enterprises so farmers and cooperatives can move beyond selling fresh produce and explore higher-value products,” he said.

According to Gonzaga, strengthening the industry will require sustained collaboration among farmers' organizations, cooperatives, local government units and national government agencies.

The Philippines produces around 579,174 metric tons of mangoes annually, with Mindanao providing significant livelihood and economic opportunities to thousands of farmers, traders, processors and other industry stakeholders.

In the Davao Region, annual mango production averages 36,333 metric tons, placing the region among the country's major mango-producing areas.

Gonzaga cited mango-producing communities in Davao del Sur, particularly Digos City, Matanao and Malalag, as well as Samal in Davao del Norte, where mango production has become an important source of livelihood and a symbol of local agricultural identity.

“We have mango-producing communities in Davao del Sur, particularly in Digos City, Matanao, and Malalag, and in Samal, Davao del Norte, where mango has become more than just a crop. It is a source of livelihood and a product that carries the identity and pride of our region,” he said.

The three-day congress is spearheaded by the Mindanao Integrated Mango Stakeholders Association and the Davao Region Integrated Mango Agribusiness Council Inc., in partnership with DA-11.

The gathering brings together farmers, cooperatives, government agencies, industry players and other stakeholders to advance the competitiveness, sustainability and market potential of the Mindanao mango industry.

NPO NEWS TEAM | PNA-PR

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