The Philippines exported 63.2 metric tons of durian to China during Holy Week, following the durian export deal signed by Manila and Beijing in January this year, Malacañang announced on Saturday.
The Presidential Communications Office said the bilateral agreement sealed during the state visit of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to the People’s Republic of China is now being fully implemented, with the first batch of Philippine durian shipped to that country on 6 April out of the Davao International Airport.
The cargo of durian, which weighed approximately 28,000 kilos, was sourced from producers and processors in Mindanao, particularly Region XI, after passing the stringent requirements of the General Administration Customs of China.
Another shipment of 28 tons was scheduled to be sent off via airfreight yesterday, while 10 container vans loaded with a total of 7.2 tons will be transported via sea.
“Under his administration, President Marcos is committed to implementing strategies to ensure high-quality fruits for export,” the PCO said.
“The (Department of Agriculture) continues to provide assistance to durian growers, including logistical and financial support under the Enhanced Kadiwa Grant,” the PCO added.
Before the first batch was exported, the GACC released the list of qualified facilities and farms that received the “green light” from the Chinese government — consisting of five packaging facilities and 58 durian farms.
The deal is expected to earn $260 million, or P14.3 billion, in revenue for the local durian industry.