DAVAO — The Department of Agriculture–Davao Region brought its premium fruit harvest to Cebu this September, showcasing the region's agricultural abundance at MAFBEX Cebu 2026 while simultaneously rolling out its Kadiwa on Wheels initiative to bring fresh produce directly to Central Visayas consumers.
A Showcase of Davao's Fruit Bounty
The Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division of DA-11 participated in the Manila Foods and Beverages Expo Cebu leg from September 10 to 13 at the IEC Convention Center. The event formed part of MAFBEX's nationwide 2026 tour, which also stopped in Davao, Manila, and Iloilo.
The Davao Region is renowned for its diverse production of high-value fruits. Among the products highlighted were durian, the region's iconic King of Fruits, along with mangosteen, pomelo, marang, lanzones, rambutan, and avocado. These fruits represent the rich agricultural heritage that has made Davao a leading producer of premium crops in the Philippines.
Kadiwa on Wheels Brings Harvest to Central Visayas
Beyond the trade expo, DA-11 deployed its Kadiwa on Wheels program to deliver 20 metric tons of fruits from Davao to Central Visayas. The shipment arrived on September 8, with selling activities scheduled from September 10 to 16 across various areas, including Cebu City and Bohol. A display was also set up at the Lapu-Lapu City Hall Grounds.
The initiative aims to bring fresh food from local farmers directly to communities at fair and affordable prices. Participating farmer cooperatives include the Davao City Durian Industry Development Council and the Durian Industry Association of Davao City. The overall target volume for the program is 70 metric tons.
Strengthening Inter-Regional Trade
The initiative strengthens economic linkages between Mindanao and the Visayas. Cebu, as a major tourism and business hub, offers significant market potential for premium Davao fruits. The province's food and beverage industry welcomed over 36,800 visitors and featured 66 exhibitors in 2025, demonstrating the scale of opportunity available to Davao producers.
DA-11 Director Macario Gonzaga previously emphasized that beyond durian, the region proudly highlights mangosteen, lanzones, rambutan, avocado, marang, pomelo, and many other premium fruits that symbolize Davao's agricultural abundance.
Building on Export Momentum
Davao's durian industry has already made significant strides internationally. The region shipped 18 metric tons of durian to China in April 2023, and a trial shipment of Puyat and Duyaya varieties was sent to Muscat, Oman in 2026. The Kadiwa on Wheels program builds on this momentum by strengthening domestic market linkages.
The Central Visayas leg is part of a nationwide tour to expand markets for Davao's farmers. Following Cebu and Bohol, the program will continue to Baguio City from September 25 to 28, and the World Trade Center in Pasay City from October 8 to 10.
