The first-ever Philippine Asia Durian Summit opened here Wednesday seeking to widen industry awareness and create greater access beyond the local market.

Emmanuel Belviz, the president of the Durian Industry Association of Davao City (DIADC), said the sector intends to forge robust connections, not only within the industry but also with government and private entities.

“This extends beyond our local community to include our global partners in durian production. By forging alliances, we can effectively address issues within the export industry and collectively tackle shared challenges,” Belviz said.

Belviz said the summit seeks to provide up-to-date perspectives on the intricacies of the durian industry and the ever-expanding global demand for the fruit.

In April this year, the Davao Region successfully started fresh durian export to China, a development seen by officials as the beginning of a brighter future for local durian growers.

From 2014 to 2022, the Philippines has always been in the top 10 among the list of exporters of fresh durian in the global market.

Currently, the country is ranked sixth, with Davao Region contributing 78 percent of the total durian production in the country.

“This achievement represents a significant milestone for our industry and stands as a testament to the immense potential of the durian market. Guided by the overarching theme of ‘Cultivation, Innovation, and Collaboration,’ we embark on this collective journey driven by a shared purpose and vision,” Belviz said.

In an interview at the sidelines of the Oct. 25-27 event, Gerald Glenn Panganiban, director of the Bureau of Plant Industry and Department of Agriculture-High Value Crops Development program, assured durian growers of the DA’s support.

“It is a good venue where stakeholders come together and coordinate with what possible complementation not only with the government but even the private sector can provide,” he added.

To further boost the durian industry in the country, Paganiban said they intend to increase production by distributing quality planting materials. He also bared plans to expand durian planting by thousands of hectares. (PNA)