DAVAO CITY — The Philippines has officially entered the lucrative Chinese eel market, marking a major breakthrough in the country’s aquaculture industry with the export of its first-ever shipment to China.
Government officials and industry stakeholders gathered at the Cargo Terminal of Davao International Airport to witness the ceremonial send-off of two metric tons of Philippine eel bound for China—an unprecedented move expected to open new economic opportunities for local producers and fisherfolk.
The historic shipment, valued at approximately ₱461,991 (USD 7,696), was supplied by Maylong Enterprises Corporation and purchased by China-based Runkong Foods. It represents the country’s initial foothold in a highly competitive international market known for its strict quality standards and high demand for premium aquatic products.
Spearheaded by the Department of Agriculture in Davao Region (DA-11) in partnership with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), the export signals growing confidence in the Philippines’ capacity to produce world-class aquaculture goods.
“This milestone demonstrates the viability of our aquaculture sector and affirms our capacity to meet global standards,” said DA-11 Regional Executive Director Macario D. Gonzaga. “It sends a strong signal to the international market that Davao Region can deliver both quality and scale.”
The breakthrough traces its roots to the Davao Region delegation’s participation in the 2025 China International Import Expo (CIIE) held in Shanghai, where local officials and exporters forged critical market linkages with international buyers. The engagement ultimately paved the way for the country’s first eel export deal.
Leading the send-off ceremony were DA-11 Regional Technical Director for Operations Marie Ann M. Constantino and Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Zabdiel L. Zacarias, alongside representatives from the agency’s Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division. They were joined by BFAR-11 officials, including Officer-in-Charge for the Regional Fisheries Training and Fisherfolk Coordination Division Renee Enriquez, as well as executives from Maylong Enterprises and Runkong Foods.
BFAR-11 Regional Director Relly B. Garcia emphasized the agency’s commitment to sustaining the momentum of the aquaculture sector, particularly in maintaining product quality and ensuring compliance with international food safety and trade requirements.
“This is just the beginning,” Garcia said, noting that continued government support will be crucial in strengthening production systems and enabling more exporters to penetrate global markets.
Beyond its immediate economic value, the export is seen as a strategic step toward expanding the country’s agricultural exports and boosting the income of local fisherfolk through value-added production.
The Department of Agriculture underscored that the initiative aligns with its broader mandate to improve market access, enhance competitiveness, and promote export-driven growth in the agriculture sector.
With global demand for high-value aquatic products steadily increasing, industry leaders believe the successful shipment positions Davao Region as an emerging hub for export-ready aquaculture products.
As the first Philippine eel shipment makes its way to China, stakeholders are optimistic that more will follow—transforming a single milestone into a sustained wave of international trade and rural economic growth.