Opportunities for export for durian have enticed some farmers in Davao City to shift to durian farming.  

According to the City Agriculturist’s Office (CAO), some farmers have cut down other fruit trees and replaced them with durian.  

“Gipulihan namo ug durian karun kay mas dako man gud ogincome ang durian kaysa sa cacao,” farmer, Beverly Cubol, said.  

Data from the Department of Agriculture (DA) showed that in 2023, Davao Region was able to export more than 23,000 metric tons of durian to different areas in Southeast Asia.  

China topped the list of countries where more than 4,000 metric tons of durian have been exported from the Philippines.  

However, farmers were also urged to plant cacao and other fruits.  

“Do not put all your eggs in one basket para naa kay other sources just in case. Though dako ang opportunity sa durian pero like the cacao, karun perteng mahala sa presyo sa cacao so another priority for the farmers is cacao,” CAO Cacao and Durian Focal Person, Fe Oguio, said.  

Oguio said farmers should plant other fruit trees that also have potential for export.  

“We should prioritize siguro crops na naa pud siyay potential for export market kay granting nga dako na ang atong need karunnga dapat naa tay funds nga magamit,” Oguio added.