Manila: Agricultural products from the Davao Region - chayote, sweet potato, Cardava bananas, and singkamas (jicama) - are set to reach the international market in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the Department of Agriculture (DA) - Davao Region announced Thursday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the latest shipment follows the initial market linkage established on July 24, when DA-Davao facilitated the send-off of GERB Golden Hands Corp.'s first shipment of Cardava bananas and singkamas to the same importer in Jeddah. A send-off ceremony was held in Barangay Tibal-og, Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte on Aug. 26, led by DA-Davao in partnership with GERB Golden Hands Corp.

In a statement, DA-Davao Director Macario Gonzaga said the development provides a significant boost to the region's agricultural sector by creating wider market opportunities and increasing the potential for local products to reach international consumers. He noted that the shipment stemmed from market linkages established during DA-Davao's participation in the AGRA Middle East Exhibition 2024, held at the Dubai World Trade Center, where GERB Golden Hands Corp. was among the participants.

"It provided an avenue for establishing connections with potential buyers and exploring export opportunities," Gonzaga said. The current shipment expands the product line to include chayote and sweet potato, reflecting the buyer's continued confidence in the quality, consistency, and supply capacity of Davao Region's agricultural products.

The activity underscores the regional agriculture office's market promotion and trade facilitation efforts, showing how participation in international trade exhibitions can translate into concrete export opportunities for agribusinesses and farmers. "Through sustained market linkage and promotion, DA-(Davao) continues to support local agricultural enterprises in expanding their reach, strengthening competitiveness, and bringing Davao-grown products closer to international markets," Gonzaga added.