AMID the massive decline in the production of banana plantations in the country, a lawmaker has filed a measure to revitalize and strengthen the country’s banana industry.

As the most exported fresh fruit in the world by both volume and economic value and the 4th most important agricultural commodity in developing countries, Lee underscored the need to pursue research and development (R&D) of the banana business for its sustainability.

“Undeniably, the banana industry contributes significantly to our national economy and serves as an important source of income for a big population of Filipino farmers,” AGRI Party-list Representative Wilbert T. Lee said.

“Our banana industry is a low-hanging fruit that needs to be picked up and provided with enough support from the government. Nakakabahala at nakakadismasya ang napakalaking pagbagsak sa produksyon nito. Continuing research and development on this fruit and export product must be pursued for its sustainability and competitiveness,” he added.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (UN), 90% of Asian banana exports originate in the Philippines, which ranks as the second leading global banana exporter worldwide.

However, this 90% share fell to some 60% last year.

COVID-19 and the spread of the Panama disease were two of the leading factors behind the rapid decline of the country’s banana exports.

Lee noted that over the years, the banana business had faced several struggles, including poor infrastructure, pests, and climate change.

Increasing costs of equipment and worldwide inflation have also caused quite a problem for the production of bananas, while storms and maintenance costs led to a decline in domestic production, significantly affecting small-scale banana farmers.

Under AGRI Party-list’s House Bill (HB) No. 6300, or the Banana Research and Export Act of 2022, a Banana Research Export Promotion Council (BREPC) shall be established to harness the promising benefits of a thriving Banana industry and conduct research and development in this field.

The BREPC, in consultation with the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), banana growers’ and processors’ cooperatives and organizations, local government units (LGUs), and the private sector, shall create a ten-year framework to serve as a guide for the formulation and implementation of plans, programs and projects for the production, processing, and marketing of bananas for export worldwide.

“Sa maunlad na industriya ng saging, maraming magsasaka ang magiging sustainable ang kita at kabuhayan na magbubunga naman ng malusog na ekonomiya. Kung muling mapapalago at mapapanatili ang suporta dito ng gobyerno, Winner Tayo Lahat,” said Lee.

The amount necessary to implement this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act (GAA). Thereafter, such funds as may be necessary for the continued implementation of this measure shall be included in the succeeding annual GAA.