The Department of Agriculture (DA) confirmed Sunday that agricultural goods worth P800,000 have been sent from Davao to Saudi Arabia. The 17.2-metric-ton shipment includes 1,350 boxes of Cardava bananas, plus 50 boxes each of sweet potatoes and turnips, exported by Gerb Golden Hands Corp. of Davao del Norte to a buyer in Jeddah.
DA Davao chief Macario Gonzaga said the shipment shows that efforts to boost exports are delivering real gains for farmers and businesses. He noted that taking part in international trade events leads to actual sales, builds the region’s reputation as a reliable supplier, and paves the way for more deals.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. stated that opening new overseas markets is key to improving local farming and cutting the country’s over $11 billion annual agricultural trade gap. He explained that exports let farmers earn more from their produce, draw investments, create rural jobs, and build a stronger farm sector. Though small, this shipment is part of wider plans to expand the range of products and markets for Philippine farm goods, bringing steady trade access and better incomes for Davao growers.
