1st Mindanao Banana Congress
Mindanao banana growers are crafting an industry roadmap that would direct the development and strategy to fully maximize the economic potential of their sector, which is one of the country's biggest agricultural exports.
At least 500 banana industry stakeholders from all over Mindanao are converging for the first-ever Mindanao Banana Congress on November 7 and 8 spearheaded by the Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. Davao Chapter at the SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang Premier in Davao City.
The stakeholders are composed of growers, farmers, cooperatives, suppliers of production inputs, traders, exporters, logistics players, industry associations, agrarian reform communities, research institutions, academe, other support groups and participants from government agencies and local government units (LGUs).
During the two-day Mindanao Banana Congress, stakeholders are expected to have come up with major outcomes: formulation of the banana industry roadmap; improved access to government support programs; established supplier-buyer linkages; significant contribution of the banana industry on the hunger and malnutrition mitigation measures of the government; and industry growth and development.
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Regional Director Marizon S. Loreto said that as a partner of this endeavor, the agency is giving its full support to the first-ever Mindanao-wide banana conference.
"This is an event that shows how important convergence is between the government and private sector especially in achieving industry growth and development," she said.
The two-day forum will likewise tackle the various issues and concerns confronting the banana industry namely: plant diseases, phytosanitary standards protocol, good agricultural practices and product traceability.
Other topics include integrated management and control of major banana diseases. Discussion on the proposed Banana Research Center shall also be included. Side events include the Banana Business Café (Business Matching), the Banana Special Setting and the Banana Food Showcase, an exhibition of various banana recipes for commercialization.
Manila Bulletin
