Mango grows abundantly in the region because of its favorable weather and farming conditions. This makes CALABARZON as one of the major contributors of mango in terms of production in the country. There is also high demand for mango domestically and due to its versatility, the commodity is considered a viable export product.

Mango, being one of the priority commodities in the region and despite of the effort exerted towards the improvement of its productivity and competency, there are various constraints which the industry players face that may possibly affect their participation in the global market.

Thus, to make participants more aware of the advantages and opportunities of mango farming and in supply chain, and in the process, encourage them to invest more in the industry, this forum was conducted.

For them to have better access to government support and interventions; and information on proper agricultural practices and standards, increasing credibility of harvest, and business and marketing opportunities, different topics were discussed, to wit: 1) High Value Crops Development Program’s (HVCDP) projects, programs, and activities including the regional mango industry’s situation; 2) value chain analysis (VCA) for mango; 3) Philippine National Standards (PNS) for mango; 4) PNS code of good agricultural practices (GAP) for mango production; 5) agricultural credit/loan programs offered by Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC), Landbank of the Philippines, and Development Bank of Philippines; 6) agricultural insurance programs of Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC); and 7) opportunities shared by Kapfer & Rivera United, Inc.

Towards the end of the activity, both groups drafted and presented their action plans and its implementation. These were submitted to AMAD for proper and immediate action and assistance.

Agricultural Program Coordinating Officer of Cavite Eda F. Dimapilis and HVCDP technical staff also supported the forum.

This event also aims to encourage other farmers’ associations and cooperatives to be more organized, empower, and capacitate their groups for a successful mango industry in CALABARZON region. • ARC