DAVAO CITY — The Davao Region’s reputation as a producer of world-class agricultural products gained another significant milestone as a fresh shipment of locally grown pineapples was officially sent off to Saudi Arabia, reinforcing the Philippines’ expanding presence in the global agricultural market.
The send-off ceremony, held on June 6, 2026, at the Unifrutti Wharf in Tibungco, Davao City, highlighted the growing international demand for Davao-grown pineapples and underscored the government’s continued efforts to strengthen agricultural exports and create more market opportunities for Filipino farmers and agribusiness stakeholders.
The event was organized by the Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) through the National Plant Quarantine Services Division–Region XI (PQS Davao) and gathered key players from the export industry, logistics sector, and government agencies who share a common goal of advancing Philippine agricultural trade on the global stage.
Representing Department of Agriculture–Regional Field Office XI (DA-11) Regional Executive Director Macario D. Gonzaga, Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Zabdiel L. Zacarias joined the ceremony and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting initiatives that improve market access for local producers and enhance the competitiveness of Philippine agricultural commodities.
The export shipment symbolizes more than just the movement of fresh produce from one country to another. It reflects the increasing confidence of international buyers in the quality, safety, and reliability of agricultural products grown in the Davao Region, long recognized as one of the country’s agricultural powerhouses.
For local farmers, the successful penetration of the Saudi Arabian market represents expanded economic opportunities and the potential for increased income through access to high-value export destinations. Industry stakeholders noted that strengthening international trade relationships is essential to ensuring sustainable growth in the agricultural sector, particularly as global demand for premium tropical fruits continues to rise.
Davao’s pineapple industry has consistently played a vital role in the region’s economy, contributing significantly to agricultural production, employment, and export earnings. The province’s favorable climate, fertile soil, and adherence to international quality standards have helped establish its reputation as a reliable source of premium pineapples sought by consumers across Asia, the Middle East, and other parts of the world.
The participation of government agencies in the export initiative also reflects a broader strategy to position Philippine agriculture as a competitive player in international markets. Through strengthened partnerships with exporters, logistics providers, and regulatory bodies, authorities aim to streamline export processes while ensuring compliance with stringent phytosanitary and quality requirements imposed by importing countries.
Officials emphasized that expanding agricultural exports not only benefits large agribusiness companies but also creates a ripple effect throughout the value chain, generating opportunities for smallholder farmers, farm workers, transport operators, packaging suppliers, and other stakeholders involved in agricultural production and distribution.
As the shipment embarked on its journey to Saudi Arabia, it carried with it the fruits of Filipino farmers’ hard work and the promise of greater international recognition for Philippine agriculture.
The send-off ceremony marked another important step in advancing the country’s export ambitions, demonstrating how strategic partnerships, quality production, and government support continue to open doors for Philippine agricultural products in overseas markets.
With global demand for fresh tropical fruits steadily increasing, the successful export of Davao-grown pineapples serves as a testament to the region’s capacity to meet international standards and strengthens the Philippines’ position as a trusted supplier of premium agricultural produce worldwide.