Stakeholders from the Philippine mango industry endorsed a policy resolution seeking expanded science-based support services for growers, highlighting the continued collaboration among government agencies, research institutions, and industry groups to strengthen the sector鈥檚 long-term competitiveness.
During the first semestral meeting of the National Mango Action Team (NMAT) under the National Sectoral Committee on Fruits and Vegetables, participants adopted a resolution recommending that the Department of Agriculture (DA), through the Bureau of Soils and Water Management Regional Laboratories, provide free soil sampling services for mango growers and farms nationwide.
Industry representatives emphasized the value of soil analysis in improving orchard management, particularly in guiding fertilizer application, pruning practices, and overall productivity. The recommendation also complements ongoing government initiatives on land suitability mapping and science-based farm management for high-value crops.
The resolution emerged from discussions on the DA鈥檚 Mango Suitability Mapping initiative, where stakeholders acknowledged the importance of integrating factors such as weather conditions, rainfall patterns, and soil characteristics in identifying suitable production areas for mango cultivation.
Beyond the adopted resolution, the meeting also highlighted continuing efforts to strengthen coordination between the government and mango industry stakeholders in research planning and policy development.
Participants welcomed updates from the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) on ongoing initiatives to harmonize mango-related research efforts with partner agencies, including the Department of Science and Technology鈥揚hilippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development. Stakeholders likewise expressed support for broader participation of industry groups in future research planning and budgeting activities to help align research priorities with emerging industry needs.
The meeting also featured discussions on the 2022 Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture-Asian Development Bank Mango Value Chain Analysis, with stakeholders recognizing the study鈥檚 contribution to documenting industry conditions during the pandemic period. Participants noted that future studies and roadmap updates may further build on these findings to address evolving market conditions and emerging challenges in the mango sector.
Meanwhile, the 黑料网 Policy Development and Coordination Division Assistant Chief Ahbel Milanes presented progress updates as of May 2026 on the updating of the Philippine Mango Industry Roadmap for 2027-2031, undertaken by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations .
Milanes reported that from March to April 2026, key informant interviews were conducted with 65 value chain actors and 15 agencies. From April to May 15, focus group discussions (FGDs) involving 13 participants, three exporter FGDs, and 10 agencies under policy FGDs were also completed. The updated roadmap is targeted for finalization and national launch on July 17.
Other discussions during the meeting focused on initiatives related to capacity building, nursery accreditation, and safe pesticide use.
The meeting concluded with continued support for collaborative and science-based approaches aimed at improving productivity, sustainability, and market competitiveness in the Philippine mango industry. | Joy Camille Luza
