13 October 2005 - The Philippine Embassy in Canberra reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) has approved the funding for a project on mango weevil survey in Mindanao the result of which could expand the access of this prime Philippine export product in the Australian market.

Ambassador Cristina G. Ortega said the project cost is A$250,000 for one year with provision for two-year extension and an additional funding of A$500,000.   The Record of Understanding was recently signed between the Queensland Department of Primary Industries, the proponent of the project and AusAID. Project implementation will commence at the end of October 2005.

Ambassador Ortega pointed out that this survey is critical for the expansion of the source of Philippine mangoes for export to Australia.   She explained that under current arrangement, only mangoes from Guimaras Island can be marketed to Australia.   Should this survey prove that mango weevil is not present in the island, it would serve as vehicle for mango plantations in Mindanao to access the Australian market.

There are about 200,000 Filipinos all over Australia craving for our "Philippine Super mango" variety, which is considered as one of the best in the world. Its excellent eating quality with a honeyed smell, firm texture and golden color, which is likened to the brightness of the sun when it ripens, has gained world-wide acceptance, making it an important fruit export of the country, Ambassador Ortega stressed.

In 2003, the hectarage planted to mango has reached about 155,235 hectares producing roughly 1,005,000 MT.   One of the five major mango-producing provinces is South Cotabato in Mindanao.  The volume of production placed the Philippines as 6th among the top mango producing countries with a share of 3.48% of the world's production.   Its contribution to the Philippine economy is significant with about 41.6 billion pesos share to domestic market.  About 2.5 million farmers are dependent on the industry. It also contributes 38% of the Gross Value Added in agriculture worth 12.5 billion pesos, higher than pineapple and next to bananas.

Ambassador Ortega said this project will also address the President's 10-point agenda specifically on the areas of poverty alleviation and employment generation. END