DAVAO CITY—Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte urged Davaoeño farmers to venture into the abaca industry, with demand for abaca fiber rising internationally.
During the Japanese Occupation in World War II, Davao was well-known for its big abaca plantations, and their products were exported to different countries.
However, most plantations were converted to residential areas or banana or pineapple plantations.’
“I am urging all the farmers to venture into abaca, especially since there is high demand for abaca fiber not just in the Philippines but also in the international market,” Duterte said.
The city can still accommodate abaca plantations since some agricultural areas remain unused, the vice mayor said.
Also, several Japanese investors are willing to enhance the city’s banana industry, Duterte added. They noted Davao’s high-quality banana produce that can be exported internationally.
“I’ve talked to several Japanese investors and they told me they are willing to invest in the agricultural sector of the city, especially the exportation of banana,” he said.
Several banana-producing companies have also put up their offices here.
Other foreign investors are willing to invest in the city’s infrastructure projects and hotels, and a Korean investor inquired about a possible railroad here, the vice mayor said.
