Agri stakeholders converge at MEGA convention in Davao

Agriculture stakeholders composed of fruit growers and exporters, executives from logistics providers, packaging manufacturers, as well as heads and officers from key government agencies, gathered for the Mindanao Direct Exporters and Growers Association Inc. (MEGA) induction of officers last Aug. 28 at the Waterfront Insular Hotel in Lanang, Davao City.

Attended by more than a hundred key players in the agriculture sector, the gathering kicked off with the welcome remarks delivered by MEGA VP Michael Ruiz followed by an inspirational message from Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) Quarantine Services OIC Andres Alemania, who also served as inducting officer of the MEGA officers.

In his message, MEGA president Atty. Peter Paul Savillo underscored MEGA’s united efforts toward providing growers with alternative markets other than those offered by multinational companies — helping growers improve their production and assisting them in shipping out fruits that meet the standards of the international market.

“In MEGA, the preservation of unity among members is very important. While we may be competitors, we have come to believe that our separate interests are better served by working together. We shall work to settle differences in the spirit of what is fair and just, thinking of the welfare of all. It is this spirit that drives the members of MEGA to work together. Initiatives to help exporters must benefit all the exporters of MEGA and initiatives for growers must benefit not only growers of MEGA, but all growers similarly situated,” Savillo said.

The inspirational message from Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, represented by Department of Agriculture (DA) Region 11 field operations chief Marie Ann Constantino, commenced shortly afterwards. In her speech, Constantino conveyed the government’s full support in implementing programs and projects that are responsive to the needs of an industry seeking inclusive growth.

“The banana industry sector is looking at CY 2018 with better opportunities and improved production. Bananas are one of the key agricultural exports from the Philippines and there are 15 countries that account for the highest dollar value worth of bananas exported. Rest assured that the Department of Agriculture shall be your partner in all your industry initiatives and endeavors. Together, we shall sustain the industry growth we have attained and make the industry flourish inclusively,” she assured.

The induction of all MEGA members followed, marking the official assumption of MEGA officers and members in their concurrent roles. Closing remarks from MEGA treasurer Lalaine Lam concluded the night.

Organized late last year, MEGA was initially composed of cavendish banana exporters and growers. At the general meeting last May, MEGA members agreed to include growers and exporters of other Mindanaogrown export fruits like pineapples, mangoes and durian. The group’s focus lies on helping growers produce fruits that meet standards of the market, and in an efficient manner, assists members in the proper harvest and marketing of the fruits at competitive prices so that growers can earn a decent living.