Department of Agriculture Senior Undersecretary Domingo F. Panganiban met with the members of the United Luzon Mango Stakeholder’s Association Inc. to discuss matters affecting the current state of mango producers in the country.

Among the concerns that were raised were strategies to address the persisting mango ‘cecid fly’ infestation, allocation of funds for mango production and operation, and future directions for the mango industry to prevent losses for local mango producers.

Panganiban provided guidance and emphasized the need of an integrated approach that will strengthen the mango industry.

“The problem is that all of us have a common intention to practically propagate the mango species that is the best in the world. What is happening is that when it comes to our operations, we are not harmonized. We should be united in here,” he said.

The DA has been implementing programs to attain a sustainable and resilient Philippine mango industry offering competitive and world-class mangoes through innovation and inclusivity. To achieve this, the department has been in constant consultation with key industry players to improve efficiency and increase mango production in the country.