The Department of Agriculture is seeing early positive results from its major overhaul of the country’s agricultural export system. At the center of this effort is a dedicated office tasked with opening new international markets, strengthening key farm industries, and turning more local products into globally competitive brands. This is a clear shift from past practice, where export work was handled only as part of the High-Value Crops Development Program. Now, a specialized unit focuses fully on export growth, market access and industry coordination.
The initiative began in January 2024 with the launch of the Export Development Office, and reached a key milestone this April through Department Order No. 12. This formal order established the High-Value Export Crops and Agri-Fishery Export Development and Promotion Program Management Office under Undersecretary Philip C. Young. The team has identified priority products based on global demand. Traditional top earners like bananas, coconuts, pineapples and tobacco will be supported to keep their market standing, while mangoes, seafood, seaweeds and salt are set for faster expansion. Newer products including cacao, okra, coffee, calamansi, ube, dragon fruit, durian, moringa and natural fibers are also being developed to diversify the country’s export lineup.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said the strategy is about more than just selling more goods abroad. It aims to fix a long-standing trade imbalance that has hurt local farmers. He noted the country’s agricultural trade deficit has stayed above US$11 billion every year since 2022—roughly three times the DA’s annual budget. Instead of creating jobs and income for Filipinos, he said this amount benefits producers from other nations. Recent shipments of mangoes, saba, durian, pineapples and avocados to new markets already show the plan’s potential. Every container of Philippine produce sent overseas helps narrow this gap, and growing exports alongside better local production will build a stronger farm sector and economy, he added.
The office is also fixing long-standing barriers to growth. Disease control programs are underway for bananas and mangoes, while processing facilities, quality standards, certification systems, demonstration farms and industry groups are being set up for cacao, ube, pomelo and other rising crops. Undersecretary Young said early progress shows what a focused approach can do, but more work lies ahead. He pointed to better coordination within government and stronger ties with industry as encouraging signs, noting that every new market opportunity means better pay for farmers, more investment in rural areas and steadier economic growth. By aligning all agencies around one clear goal, the DA is positioning Philippine agriculture to compete more effectively worldwide.
