The Department of Agriculture has established a dedicated Export Office for the first time in its history, with Philippine mangoes now being sold in Italy, France, and Canada as a result, Agriculture Secretary Francisco “Kiko” Tiu Laurel said Saturday.
Tiu Laurel made the disclosure in an interview on DZRH News program Special on Saturday on July 18, as part of the DZRH SONA 2026 Series.
He said the Export Office was set up in 2024 — and is already bearing fruit.
“First time sa Department of Agriculture may dedicated office for exports,” Tiu Laurel said.
He said the office also solved a key technical gap — the lack of a night flight testing machine required by international buyers for okra.
“Isipin niyo nag-export tayo ng okra, pero meron palang isang makina ang kailangan, yung night flight testing na required ng mga buyer that the country did not have. So ngayon meron na tayo noon,” he said.
The DA also expanded its laboratories for pesticide residue testing.
Beyond mangoes, the DA is eyeing new markets for pomelo, ube, calamansi, durian, mangosteen, and heirloom rice.
Tiu Laurel said the Philippines can command premium prices internationally — citing mangoes initially selling at 20 euros per kilo in Italy.
He said the DA’s goal is to double or more the country’s agricultural exports before the end of the administration.
