Mango growers, investors urged to attend 8th National Mango Congress
Iloilo -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is encouraging mango growers and prospective investors to attend the 8th National Mango Congress next month here in Iloilo City.
DTI provincial director Diosdado Cadena said issues concerning the status and directions of the Philippine mango industry, mango production and field establishment, improved cultural management for bearing tress, investment forum for Western Visayas, improvement of fruit quality for export, post-handling of mango and fruit processing and marketing systems.
Cadena said the congress which is slated on May 17 until 19 will also serve as venue for enhancing the global competitiveness of Philippine mango. He said the region particularly the island province of Guimaras is capable of producing mangoes for international market but the mango industry players will have to learn the techniques in marketing the produce.
Countries such as United States, Japan and Australia requires high standard of produce when it comes to imported fruits especially mangoes. Only the Guimaras mangoes have entered the US market since it is weevil free.
Cadena added that it is the first time that Iloilo City will host the national mango. The previous congress were held in Zamboanga and Tarlac. The Philippine Mango Industry Foundation Inc. and Department of Agriculture are the lead organizers of the forthcoming 8th National Mango Congress.
During the congress, participants will also visit the island province of Guimaras for its Guimaras Manggahan Festival, tour to Oro Verde Mango plantation, DOLE mango plantation and National Mango Research and Development Center.