DAVAO CITY – Residents in Manila, Baguio and Cebu will soon enjoy Davao’s famed durian and other tropical produce from Region 11 through the rollout of the “Kadiwa on Wheels,” the Department of Agriculture in Davao Region announced Friday.
In an interview, DA-11 Regional Director Macario Gonzaga said the initiative seeks to expand market access for local farmers while providing consumers in major urban centers with fresh durian and other fruits directly sourced from Davao.
“Right now we have doubled our supply. Our farmers worry about low prices for their produce — that’s why we are planning the ‘Kadiwa on Wheels,'” Gonzaga said.
He added that regional directors in Manila, Baguio and Cebu have already expressed readiness and excitement to receive Davao fruits.
DA-11 emphasized that the program underscores its commitment to strengthening food distribution networks, promoting regional products and ensuring that farmers benefit from wider market opportunities.
Gonzaga noted that while durian supply was abundant in 2024, production dipped in 2025 due to weather conditions.
“This year, however, supply has increased by 1.56 percent,” he added.
Meanwhile, DA-11, in partnership with the Durian Industry Association of Davao City and SM Lanang, formally opened the 12th Kadayawan Durian Festival.
For over a decade, the festival has provided a marketplace where farmers can directly sell their harvests, showcase quality produce, and connect with buyers, tourists and fruit enthusiasts nationwide.
“Beyond durian, it proudly highlights the richness of Davao’s agricultural bounty through mangosteen, lanzones, rambutan, avocado, marang, pomelo, and many other premium fruits that symbolize our region’s abundance,” Gonzaga said.
He also announced another international breakthrough — a successful trial shipment of 1.08 metric tons of fresh Puyat and Duyaya durian varieties to Muscat, Oman.
“This achievement reflects the increasing confidence of international buyers in the quality of Davao-grown durian and opens another promising market for our local producers,” Gonzaga said.
With expanding exports to China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and now Oman, Gonzaga said Davao durian is steadily earning recognition as a premium product capable of competing globally.
“We encourage our farmers, growers, and even smallholder producers to continue producing high-quality fruits that meet both local and international standards,” he added, stressing DA’s commitment to support the fruit industry through programs that enhance productivity, improve market access, strengthen value chains, and empower farmers with technologies and services. (PNA)