ORMOC CITY – Thirteen (13) parliamentarians of the Prefectural Government of Hiroshima, Japan paid the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office (DA-RFO) 8 a visit in order to benchmark the banana production in Eastern Visayas, which discussion took place at the DA-RFO 8, Kanhuraw Hill, Tacloban City, on March 19, 2025.
During the meeting, Rodel Macapañas, Field Operations Division (FOD) Chief, provided an overview and updates on banana production, its uses, challenges, and marketability. “I hope that the knowledge gained in this visit will be utilized in formulating policies for the prefectural government and that this opportunity will lead to the development of international exchange between Hiroshima and the Philippines,” said one of the Japanese delegates, Hidenori Kobayashi.
On the one hand, the Japanese government offered to provide technical help from a number of Japanese institutions, which the DA-RFO 8 views as a strategic opportunity to further advance the banana sector in the region. Accordingly, Japan created a pathogen that can aid in the eradication of “bugtok,” a bacterial disease that is prevalent on banana plantations and has a major impact on the crop’s productivity. “We came here to give our support so that the damage to banana production will be minimized,” added Kobayashi.
Meanwhile, OIC-Assistant Regional Director for Research and Regulations, Jenny Lyn R. Almeria, expressed DA-RFO 8’s appreciation for the visit and collaboration and is hoping that it will not be the last but will be the first of their partnership and collaboration. “We hope you can extend to us the best we can do for our banana industry,” said Almeria. By means of these endeavors, DA-RFO 8 hopes to enhance the competitiveness, resilience, and sustainability of the Eastern Visayas banana industry, which will ultimately benefit local farmers’ livelihoods and support regional economic growth. (By Gwen Maurillo / EV Mail March 17-23, 2025 issue)
