Fresh agricultural goods from Davao Region have arrived in Saudi Arabia, marking a major commercial milestone that grew from talks held at an international trade exhibition in Dubai.
The Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office XI oversaw the recent send-off of a 17.2-metric-ton shipment carrying Cardava bananas, sweet potatoes, and singkamas bound for Jeddah. Valued at P800,000, the cargo includes 1,350 boxes of Cardava bananas weighing 12 kilos each, plus 50 boxes each of sweet potatoes and singkamas at 10 kilos per box. The produce is shipped by Gerb Golden Hands Corp. based in Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte, and will be received by Rana Mohammed Saleem Commercial LLC in Jeddah.
This export opportunity first emerged during the AGRA Middle East Exhibition 2024 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, where the regional agriculture office and Gerb Golden Hands presented Davao’s farm products to international buyers. What began as discussions at the event has now turned into an actual trade deal, showing how efforts to connect local producers with overseas markets deliver real results. Regional executive director Macario D. Gonzaga noted that the shipment proves participation in global trade events creates tangible benefits beyond promotion, opening steady markets and building Davao’s standing as a reliable supplier of quality farm goods.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. explained that expanding foreign markets is central to strengthening Philippine agriculture and cutting the country’s annual agricultural trade deficit of over USD 11 billion. He said each new market lets Filipino farmers earn more from their harvests rather than letting that value go to foreign producers, while also drawing investments for better farming and logistics, creating rural jobs, and building a stronger sector for long-term growth. Though the shipment is relatively small, it highlights moves to diversify Philippine agricultural exports beyond usual products and destinations. For Davao’s farmers, it shows that turning trade fair talks into actual sales takes time, but successful deals bring lasting market access, better livelihoods, and fresh progress for one of the nation’s top agricultural export hubs.
