THE PILIPINO Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA) said they are working on crafting a bill highlighting the revitalization of the Philippine Banana industry,
In an interview, Stephen Antig, PBGEA executive director, said once the crafted bill is completed, they hope to pass it on to a legislator to sponsor in Congress.
“One of the stipulations of the bill is to really establish a world-class research facility that will not only serve the Cavendish industry but the whole agricultural sector. As we all know the upcoming agri-champions are avocado and durian,” Antig said.
While the Philippines is considered the top banana exporter in some countries, it has now been losing key markets for bananas due to weak production as a result of pests and diseases, specifically fusarium wilt or Panama disease.
Japan as one of the key markets has a usual 94% share of exports, and was down to 79% in 2023.
“We would also propose that a structure will be created, chaired by the Department of Agriculture and the private sectors as co-chair, that will handle different processes, not only on growing bananas but also for the exporting and promoting a whole system,” he said.
He said the bill would also request Congress to come up with a certain amount of funds to run the operation of the structure and implement the revitalization.
“I would say we are about 10% when it comes to the crafting of the bill. Hopefully, we should be able to finish the first draft before Oct. 17 this year, making it in line with the banana congress,” he added.
He also revealed that most of the research undertaken by the Department of Science and Technology for bananas “is utilized more for academic purposes and no further practical application.”
Antig stressed that they needed government support as the private sector could not do it all on its own.
