Davao City, Philippines – June 6, 2026 – The Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Plant Industry (DA-BPI), in partnership with the DA Regional Field Office XII (DA-RFOX XII), led the send-off ceremony for the export of fresh Philippine MD2 pineapples to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the Unifrutti Wharf in Davao City, marking another significant step in expanding the country’s agricultural exports and strengthening access to high-value international markets.

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The shipment, organized by Mensh Fil-Am Trading in collaboration with Avante Agri-Products Philippines, Inc., consists of 1,500 boxes of fresh MD2 pineapples weighing a total of 18 metric tons (18,000 kilograms), sourced from pineapple farms in Tampakan, South Cotabato. The cargo is bound for the Port of Khor Fakkan in the UAE and is expected to arrive on June 26, 2026. Similar shipments are scheduled every two weeks, reflecting the growing demand for premium Philippine pineapples in the Middle East.

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As the country’s lead agency for plant health and phytosanitary regulation, the BPI played a crucial role in facilitating the export through the conduct of phytosanitary inspections and the issuance of the necessary certification to ensure compliance with the UAE’s import requirements. The successful shipment underscores the capability of Philippine exporters to meet stringent international plant health, food safety, and quality standards.

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Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. welcomed the development as a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to expand overseas markets for Philippine agricultural products and improve opportunities for Filipino farmers.

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“Every box of Philippine produce that reaches a new or existing market represents more income for farmers, more jobs for workers, and more value created at home. That is why we are aggressively pursuing new export opportunities for Philippine agriculture,” Secretary Tiu Laurel said.

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“Our goal is not merely to export more products but to build a stronger and more competitive farm sector where Filipino farmers directly benefit from global market opportunities,” he added.

The export initiative supports the DA’s broader efforts to diversify export destinations, increase agricultural export earnings, and strengthen the country’s position in global markets. By linking local growers to high-value markets such as the UAE, the government aims to encourage investments in agricultural production, generate sustainable livelihood opportunities, and promote inclusive rural development.

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The successful shipment also demonstrates the Philippine agricultural sector’s resilience amid global logistical challenges and highlights the ability of exporters to comply with stringent international phytosanitary standards. It further strengthens trade relations with the UAE and opens opportunities for greater market access across the Middle East.

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Government officials emphasized that strict adherence to phytosanitary measures and international standards remains essential in maintaining the competitiveness of Philippine agricultural exports. The activity likewise underscored the significant contribution of Mindanao’s pineapple industry in supplying premium-quality produce to international markets while creating economic opportunities for local farmers and exporters.

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The send-off ceremony was attended by Ms. Flor de Hasmin C. Bayo, Regional Manager of the Plant Quarantine Service (PQS) Davao; Mr. Zabdiel B. Zacarias, Director III of the Office of the Technical Director, Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office XI; Ms. Rachel Simon, CEO and Owner of Mensh Fil-Am Trading; Ms. Lalaine Lam, Owner of Avante Agri-Products Philippines, Inc.; Mr. Orlie Cordero, Logistics Manager of Unifrutti Philippines, Inc.; representatives from partner companies; and personnel from PQS Davao.

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During the event, representatives from Mensh Fil-Am Trading and Avante Agri-Products Philippines, Inc. expressed their commitment to further expanding the country’s agricultural export industry through continued collaboration with the BPI and other government agencies. They emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards of quality and compliance to sustain access to international markets and create greater opportunities for Filipino farmers.

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The successful export of fresh pineapples to the UAE demonstrates the growing global demand for Philippine agricultural products and showcases the effective partnership between the government and private sector in advancing agricultural trade. It also reinforces the Bureau of Plant Industry’s commitment to safeguarding plant health, facilitating trade, and supporting the sustainable growth and global competitiveness of Philippine agriculture.

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(060826 – 28)