Banana industry boom eyed in GenSan

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (4 September 2013) - Experts are now eyeing a possible boom in the “banana industry” in General Santos City.

This was disclosed during the 2013 Mindanao Banana Congress hosted by the city Thursday (August 29).

With the exception of General Santos City, the rest of SoCSKSarGen contributes 15% in the whole banana industry of Mindanao according to Jun Roque, chairman of the 2013 Mindanao Banana Congress.

“Opening the city for such opportunities will augment the economy of the region,” Roque stated.

  

In remarks given by City Mayor Ronnel Rivera during the Banana Congress, the city’s chief executive said, “I want GenSan to be known not only for tuna but also for its agro-industrial products.”

Rivera, even before the Banana Congress was held, has been very vocal in his aim to develop the agro-industrial sector of the city and invite key players - especially from banana industry - to invest locally.

The mayor also encouraged corporate farms and major banana exporters to invest in the city citing the local government’s commitment and willingness in engaging in Private Public Partnerships (PPPs) to promote economic stability in the city.

  

Nestle Philippines and Corporate Management Holdings Inc. (CHMI) also eyed GenSan to be the “Coffee Capital of the South,” saying that the soil of the city is suitable for agricultural development.

The event highlighted the banana industry stakeholders to showcase production and market opportunities, as well as to provide recent technology updates in banana production.

Also tackled in the event are the problems encountered in growing banana and how banana entrepreneurs can control them.

The 2013 Mindanao Banana Congress was organized by the Mindanao Fruit Industry Development Council (MinFruit Council), Banana Industry Council of Region 12 (BICOR 12), and Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC 12) in partnership with Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Unit 12 (DOA-RFU 12).

Some companies that participated in the congress were Smart Communications, Cebu Pacific, and the Land Bank of the Philippines. (GENSAN INFO OFFICE/Ian John Lagare)