In La Union, majority of the mangoes produced in the province are distributed to local markets and shipped to nearby provinces like Pangasinan and even Baguio.
According to the president of the Association of Mango Industry in La Union, Pedro Corpuz (center in the picture), their sector has been significantly affected by cecid fly infestation, with many of mango growers opting to diversify into other agribusinesses instead. There are also challenges in post-harvesting, as there’s not enough processing facilities to reduce wastage or process mangoes into value-added products.
Despite these difficulties, the mango growers in La Union remain resilient, using novel agricultural and pest management practices to combat cecid fly infestation. With the dry season ramping up, they are optimistic that their produce this season will be well-received in the market, particularly in the upcoming Mango Congress this April. Their mangoes, for example, are always sold out in retail stores. They are also meeting up with fellow mango associations in the Ilocos region to share knowledge and best practices.
Agrilink 2023 will highlight the challenges and opportunities in the mango industry, bringing together public and private sectors to explore how it can further carve a niche in the global market. Visit agrilink.com.ph for more info.
In the photo are Pedro Corpuz, representatives of the central and regional offices of the Department of Agriculture, and Antonio V. Roces and Sally Mecija, FRLD president and board director, respectively.