CEBU CITY – Cebu has a thriving fruit industry, an official of the Philippine Fruit Association (PFA) said Tuesday.
Dr. Biley Temanel, a member of PFA’s board of directors, said Cebu has an advantage when it comes to technology.
The province, he pointed out, not only produces fresh fruits, it also has industries that process fruits.
Cebu is also less affected by climate change than other provinces, Temanel said. He cited the recent typhoons that “wiped out” the banana industry in central and northern Luzon.
Fruit industry players around the country gathered in Cebu City Tuesday for a five-day symposium that tackles challenges confronting the industry.
Temanel, an agriculture professor at the Isabela State University, stressed the role of science and technology in the fruit industry.
Knowhow
“We need science and technology for sustainable fruit production,” he told reporters.
The 19th National Fruit Symposium, held at the EcoTech Center in Sudlon, Lahug, features plenary and technical sessions, paper presentations, exhibits and educational field tours.
“At the end of the symposium, we will have better knowledge on how to achieve sustainable fruit production,” said Dr. Elpidio Magante, PFA president.
With the theme “Harnessing Science and Technology Toward a Dynamic and Sustainable Fruit Production,” the symposium attracted more than 100 participants.
Some of the participants will present scientific papers on various topics, including health and nutrition, advances in fruit production and management, crop diversification and organic fruit farming.
Temanel noted that mango is the main fruit grown in Cebu.
“Cebu not only produces fresh fruits, but processes fruits as well,” said Temanel, adding that Cebu’s dried mangoes are also sold in Isabela.
Diversify
Temanel underscored the importance of diversification in fruit production. This will lead to food security and sustainable income for farmers.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) has given support to the country’s fruit growers, Temanel said.
He pointed out that bagsakan centers or food terminals help fruit growers earn more by eliminating middlemen.
The DA, in partnership with local government units and cooperatives, put up bagsakan centers in strategic locations.
Temanel added the DA also helps in the marketing of the country’s fruit products, putting in place post-harvest facilities, and making credit accessible to fruit growers.
The Department of Science and Technology also helps the fruit industry by providing the needed technology in the processing of fruits, he said.
Temanel said the banana industry in central and northern Luzon has been devastated by Typhoons Pedring and Quiel, which hit Luzon last month.
Imports
He noted that enrolment in the Isabela State University declined by about 30 to 40 percent, since many people in the province depend on the banana industry for income.
But the banana industry in Luzon, he said, will recover after six to eight months.
Another challenge facing the country’s fruit industry is the country’s importation of fruits, Temanel said.
He said imported fruits, especially those from China, are cheaper than the locally-produced ones.
Magante, who is also the president of the Bohol Island State University, said Bohol has to import fruits from Mindanao and Cebu because of high demand, which is driven partly by the booming tourism in the province.
Established in 1983, PFA has nearly 1,500 members nationwide. The members include fruit growers, members of the academe and officials of National Government agencies.
Another highlight of the event will be the awarding of individuals who excel in their chosen field of work.
The awards include the Leon G. Gonzales Award of Distinction, the PFA Award of Distinction, PFA Honorary Fellows, PFA Achievement Awards and Best Paper and Poster Exhibit awards. (RSB/Sun.Star Cebu)
