by Jenny Molbog-Mendoza, Sun Star
Visitors and Dabawenyos alike can still enjoy the much-loved Davao fruit at the 3rd Durian Festival at SM Lanang Premier’s The Fountain Court until September 21.
The exhibit, which opened last August 14, features different varieties of the King of Fruits, from native Filipino varieties to Thai ones. But one thing is for sure: every durian lover will definitely get delighted upon tasting the creamy fruit.
Durian Industry Council of Davao City (DICDC) president Larry Miculob revealed during the opening ceremony that the durian producers in the city are set to export a total of 300 metric tons of the fruit to an Asian market, which he did not name. But, negotiations are still underway.
With this development, Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Executive Director Remelyn R. Recoter expressed optimism that the contract will push through.
“Hope the market which was mentioned by Mr. Larry Miculob earlier will materialize because that’s really a big market,” she said.
The government official also noted that majority of the country’s annual durian production comes from the Davao Region.
“Almost 90 percent of Philippine durian production is from Davao Region. Of this, two-third is from Davao City,” she said.
Recoter also pointed out that with the long dry spell that the Davao Region has been experiencing, which is anticipated to last until August next year, the region’s production dropped. However, the executive emphasized that El Niño’s impact on the region is “minimal” as compared to that being felt by the other areas in the country.
Meanwhile, Davao City second district councilor and chair of the City Council’s Agriculture and Food Committee Marissa Salvador-Abella announced that she is flying to Nanning, China in September for the 12th China Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Expo or CAExpo. Thus, the region, particularly the city, will have another venue to showcase and market its various products including the durian.
Enjoy durian at the 3rd Durian Festival even beyond the Kadayawan celebration!
Source: Sun Star