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Saturday, March 30, 2024

Local mangoes declared pest-free

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The government on Friday declared Philippine mango free from mango seed weevil, a development that can open more export markets for the country’s top fruit commodity.

Alcala

The mango pulp weevil, or Sternochetus mangiferae, causes black or grayish scales on the fruit that affect its quality and taste.

Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said in an administrative circular that except for Palawan, the Philippines was now also free from mango pulp weevil.

“The absence of both pests [except MPW in Palawan] can result in the expansion of mango exports to countries which require area freedom from these weevils,” Alcala said.

Alcala said he ordered the Bureau of Plant Industry to strengthen and strictly implement phytosanitary measures in Palawan.

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“The movement, transfer and carrying of mango planting materials, fruits or parts thereof from Palawan is hereby prohibited, except for limited quantities and for experimental purposes only, subject to the condition that a permit for such purpose is first secured from the BPI director,” Alcala said.

The United States began allowing the entry of fresh mangoes from all provinces of the Philippines, except Palawan, last year.

Agriculture attaché Josyline Javelosa said the US market’s opening presented an opportunity for mango-producing provinces such as Ilocos Norte, Pangasinan, Isabela, Batangas,Tarlac, Cebu, Iloilo, Zamboanga del Norte, North Cotabato and Davao del Sur.

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