The Davao Region Integrated Mango Agribusiness Council is urging the private sector and government to collaborate in reviving the Philippine mango industry, which has lost its competitive edge in the global market to neighboring countries such as Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand.
Industry decline and causes
Benedictor S. Alves, chairman of the council, noted that the Philippines was once a leading mango exporter but has been overtaken due to persistent pest and disease problems, rising production costs, and increasingly complex export markets. He stressed that the government cannot single-handedly rebuild the industry.
"I think the private sector has to step up. We cannot depend on the government to do things for us. We have to behave to contribute to this effort, and also, I think not only in Mindanao, but the whole Philippines should unite so that we have a stronger voice to talk with the government and encourage the government," Alves said during the Kapehan sa Dabaw forum on July 6 at SM City Davao.
Production remains strong in Mindanao
Despite the decline in fresh mango exports, Mindanao remains a strong production hub. Davao del Sur alone has produced between 70,000 and 80,000 metric tons of mangoes annually over the past five years. The Davao Region and Soccsksargen each produce about 120,000 metric tons yearly, while Mindanao's total annual production is estimated at around 400,000 metric tons.
However, Alves noted that much of this production does not reach the international fresh fruit market. "Fresh mangoes are not being exported. What we export are processed products like dried mangoes," he said.
Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority-Davao Region's 2024 Fruit Crops Situationer showed mango ranked third among the region's top fruit crops by production volume, with 43,174.14 metric tons in 2024, a 2.6 percent decline from the previous year.
Congress to address industry challenges
To tackle these issues, the council will hold the Second Mindanao Mango Congress from Aug. 12 to 14 at the Grand Regal Hotel in Davao City, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture-Davao Region and the Mindanao Development Authority. The event aims to showcase Mindanao's mango industry and bring national attention to pressing concerns.
Alves said organizers expect about 300 participants, including farmers, processors, researchers, and industry stakeholders. The congress will feature experts presenting the latest research and agricultural technologies to improve production, processing, and long-term competitiveness.
