Manila: Government investments have significantly bolstered the local banana industry, enabling the Philippines to reclaim its position as the second-largest banana exporter in the world, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).
According to Philippines News Agency, a recent report by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reveals that the Philippines is now ranked just behind Ecuador in banana exports and is the leading exporter in Asia. The country's banana exports surged by 25.6 percent, reaching 2.93 million metric tons (MMT) in 2025. Previously, in 2024, the Philippines was the third-largest global supplier of bananas.
In a statement, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. highlighted that this progress reflects confidence in the Marcos administration's agricultural strategy and serves as a catalyst for more aggressive export expansion. He emphasized, "Many thought the banana industry was in decline. This is proof of concept that when interventions are done right, we can reverse the trend."
As part of the 2025 High Value Crops Development Program, the DA has distributed 106,000 planting materials to boost and rejuvenate banana production. The program has also provided Filipino farmers with 120,000 units of organic fertilizer and 215,000 biological control agents to help restore soil health, ensure plant resilience, and reduce post-harvest losses.
The FAO attributes the industry's rebound primarily to a surge in Philippine banana supplies, following a recovery from weather- and disease-related damages in recent years. Industry sources cited in the report note significant investments in banana production in Cagayan Valley, supported by the DA's provision of organic fertilizer and other inputs.
The Philippine Cardaba Banana variety, commonly known as saba, has been driving exports with products such as banana chips, steamed saba, and banana catsup. This remarkable recovery has occurred despite the threat of Fusarium wilt tropical race 4, or Panama disease, which has affected 15,500 hectares in the Davao region, putting pressure on the Cavendish variety that anchors the country's banana exports.
To maintain these industry gains, authorities emphasize the importance of effective containment and mitigation strategies.
