By Kenneth Marcos 
In a quiet orchard in Ilocos Norte, mango trees stand tall under the October sun. For many farmers, these trees are more than crops—they are a lifeline. This month, government experts came to help breathe new life into these aging trees and struggling farms.
The Bureau of Plant Industry-Crop Research and Production Support Division (BPI-CRPSD) launched its Mango Rehabilitation Program’s Package of Technology (POT) Training in Northern Luzon. The training was held on October 7 in Ilocos Norte and October 9 in Pangasinan, gathering local mango growers eager to improve their harvest and income.
Practical help for struggling mango farmers
Farmers across Ilocos and Pangasinan have faced challenges in recent years, including declining yields, pests, climate changes, and lack of access to modern farming techniques. Mango trees, especially old and unmanaged ones, often produce fewer fruits and require more care.
Through the POT Training, experts from BPI taught farmers how to apply proper pruning, fertilization, pest and disease control, and flower induction techniques—methods that help mango trees grow healthier and bear more fruits.
The sessions also covered:
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Tree rehabilitation – How to revive old trees that have stopped producing high-quality fruits.
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Sustainable practices – Using eco-friendly methods to reduce costs and protect the environment.
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Post-harvest handling – Tips on how to reduce damage and spoilage after picking to maintain fruit quality and shelf life.
The training emphasized how modern, science-based practices can help increase productivity and profits while ensuring long-term sustainability.
Building stronger communities through agriculture
The Mango Rehabilitation Program is part of BPI’s broader effort to support fruit farmers and promote high-value crops. Mango is one of the Philippines’ top agricultural exports, with Ilocos Region and Pangasinan being among the country’s leading producers.
By helping small farmers improve their production, the program hopes to uplift entire communities, especially in rural areas where farming is the main source of livelihood.
The BPI also encouraged farmers to form or strengthen their cooperatives so they can access government support, market links, and shared post-harvest facilities. Collective action can help reduce costs and improve selling prices, especially when dealing with traders or exporters.
A hopeful future for mango growers
With proper support, Filipino mangoes—known globally for their sweetness and quality—can continue to compete in local and international markets.
As mango trees begin to flower in the coming months, many Ilocano and Pangasinense farmers are hopeful. With the knowledge gained from the training, they now have better tools to care for their trees, protect their harvest, and secure their future.
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