DA ramps up high-value crop exports

The government is banking aimed at strengthening local production of high-value crops as it ramps up plans for an aggressive export push, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said.

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Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel said the government is keen on replicating the success of programs that helped the Philippines reclaim its position as the world’s second-largest banana exporter last year.

“Many thought the banana industry was in decline. This is proof of concept that when interventions are done right, we can reverse the trend,” Tiu Laurel said in a statement.

In a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Philippines was estimated to have reached 2.93 million metric tons (MT) in banana exports in 2025, trailing only top exporter Ecuador.

The Philippines reclaimed second place after two years of slipping to third, following its recovery from damage caused by pests and extreme weather conditions, according to FAO.