Usage and Export of Asabaa Bananas
- Exports primarily involve fresh bananas and processed products made from the asabaa banana variety, including banana sauce, sweetened banana chips, banana strings, and frozen banana fries.
- From 1996 to 2000, banana chips and crackers exports grew at an average rate of 4.86%, totaling 18,380.91 metric tons and valued at PHP 20.8 million.
Importance of Safeguards for Banana Chips Industry
- Given the high export potential of banana chips, the industry requires protective measures to sustain growth.
- These measures aim to prevent loss of market share to competitor countries.
Prohibition on Exportation of Asabaa Banana Planting Materials
- Asabaa banana is an indigenous variety exclusive to the Philippines.
- In support of National Committee on Food Crops Resolution No. 17, the Bureau of Plant Industry-Plant Quarantine Service prohibits exportation of asabaa banana planting materials by withholding issuance of Phytosanitary Certificates.
Conditions for Exportation of Prohibited Commodities
- Exporters seeking to export asabaa banana planting materials must obtain prior approval in the form of a commodity clearance from the Department of Agriculture.
Legal Effect and Implementation
- This Administrative Order supersedes and revokes any previous orders inconsistent with its provisions.
- It became effective immediately upon publication.
Official Approval
- The order was adopted on 28 March 2005 and signed by Clarito M. Barron, CESO IV, OIC-Director.