By Kenneth Marcos 
Under the shade of old mango trees, many farmers in Batangas and Rizal still hope for a good harvest. But years of low yield and aging trees have left some orchards struggling. This September, the Department of Agriculture is stepping in to change that.
On September 9 and 11, 2025, the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Plant Industry (DA-BPI) held its 6th and 7th Package of Technology (PoT) training sessions under the Mango Rehabilitation Program in the provinces of Batangas and Rizal. The goal: to help farmers bring their old mango trees back to life and improve fruit production.
The training was attended by 60 participants from various towns and farmers’ associations in both provinces. Many of them have long relied on mango farming but face growing challenges in yield, pest control, and proper tree care.
The sessions focused on practical techniques to restore the productivity of aging mango trees, including proper pruning, flower induction, pest and disease management, and nutrient application. These are critical steps to ensure that older trees continue bearing high-quality fruits.
“Marami pa sanang ibubunga ang mga matatandang puno kung alam lang natin kung paano sila alagaan nang tama,” shared one participant from Tanauan, Batangas. “Malaking tulong ito lalo na sa amin na matagal nang umaasa sa mangga.”
The Mango Rehabilitation Program is part of the DA’s broader push to revive local fruit industries and support smallholder farmers across the country. Mangoes remain one of the Philippines’ top agricultural exports, with popular varieties like Carabao Mango earning international recognition for their sweetness.
However, over the past decade, mango production has been declining. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) shows a gradual drop in yield due to climate change, poor orchard maintenance, and limited farmer access to updated farming technologies.
The DA-BPI hopes that by equipping farmers with science-based techniques, the country’s mango industry can be revitalized — starting from the grassroots.
Aside from technical lectures, the participants also received hands-on field training. They were guided on proper timing and use of flower inducers — an essential step in getting old trees to bloom again. Farmers were also taught how to identify and manage common pests like cecid fly and twig borers which often damage mango crops.
Participants are expected to share what they’ve learned with fellow farmers in their communities. This “train-the-trainer” approach is part of DA-BPI’s strategy to multiply impact across mango-producing areas.
As global demand for Philippine mangoes continues, programs like these are key to ensuring Filipino farmers are not left behind. With the right skills and support, even old trees can bear sweet fruit again — and so can the families who depend on them.
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