The Davao Region’s mango industry is pushing for a roadmap to restore the Philippines’ competitiveness in the global market as growers contend with rising production costs, pests, diseases, and shrinking exports, according to Benedicto Alves, chairman of the Davao Region Integrated Mango Agribusiness Council (DRIMACO).
Alves said on Monday that the industry’s recovery efforts will take center stage during the Mindanao Mango Congress 2026, scheduled for August 12 to 14 at the Grand Regal Hotel in Davao City.
The congress, jointly organized by MIMSA (Mindanao Integrated Mango Stakeholders Association) and DRIMACO, is expected to draw about 300 growers, processors, exporters, researchers, and other stakeholders from across the country.
Alves said the event comes as the Philippines continues to lose its once-dominant position in the global mango trade.
“We used to be a very popular country in the mango sector internationally. We supplied 90% of Hong Kong’s mango imports around the turn of the century, and we ranked second or third among Japan’s sources of fresh mangoes,” he said during Kapehan sa Davao.
He added that around 2010, the Philippines lost that distinction to Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and other countries.
He attributed the decline to persistent production and market constraints.
“The reasons are many, like pests and diseases we could not control, rising costs that we could not control, and the market is also a problem,” Alves said.
Alves said the proposed roadmap aims to identify solutions to revive the industry.
“There’s not really a roadmap yet right now, but we have to find a way. I don’t think the Philippines is a country that just gives up on its advantages,” he said.
He also maintained that Mindanao produces more mangoes than official statistics indicate, estimating that Regions 11 and 12 each produce about 120,000 metric tons, with total Mindanao output nearing 400,000 metric tons.
“I think the PSA has its figure at around 300,000 metric tons for the entire Luzon,” he said.
Despite high production, Alves said fresh mango exports have nearly disappeared, while processed products face stiffer competition.
“Although Philippine dried mango is the best-tasting dried mango in the world, it’s also probably the most expensive. That’s why we are losing the competition to places like Cambodia,” he said.
He urged stronger collaboration between the private sector and the government to restore the industry’s competitiveness.
“The private sector has to step up. We cannot depend on the government to do things for us. The stakeholders in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao should unite. I think it’s about time that we really succeed in what we are trying to do,” Alves said.
