DTI Sorsogon strengthens Pili Advocacy

Photo by DTI Sorsogon

SORSOGON CITY, November 19 (PIA) – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Sorsogon in close cooperation with LGU of Sorsogon City, specifically the office of Agriculture and Tourism conducted recently a Pili Advocacy, gathering in one venue the pili farmers, producers and other stakeholders with the objective of promoting Pili and its advocate for development.

Part of the advocacy is familiarizing the participants to the astounding 9.58-minute audio-video presentation entitled “Meet the Pili” which broadened the horizon of Pili. The advocacy material was also shown in Living Asia Channel for three times in July and also appeared in the US television screens. Indeed, a much better way to promote Pili.

DTI Provincial Director Leah A. Pagao in her message said Sorsogon province as the highest supplier of the raw material of Pili in Bicol region has now developed Pili processors across the province edging their way not only to the local market but priming for foreign market as well. “In fact, Tia Berning Pili Candies will soon be available in the Korean market,” she proudly said.

Pagao further said that Pili would not make a big hit in the market without the usual backings and support from various stakeholders.

She took the opportunity to thank Sorsogon City-LGU through Mayor Leovic Dioneda for fully supporting the efforts of championing Sorsogon as Pili producer through their various programs, activities and assistance to the pili farmers.

She also said that for their part, DTI offered technical programs and services to develop the capability of entrepreneurs along managerial, skill, marketing and even in accessing credit for business expansion or transformation.

Furthermore, Pagao narrated that apart from marketing and promotion activities being conducted by DTI, the Kasanggayahan Trade Fair 2012 last October highlighted the pili, which is considered the province’s champion commodity.  “Likewise, the same exposure will be repeated in December this year during the Sosogon Festival of Sorsogon City,” she added.

Major issues and concerns from the participants were drawn out during the open forum such as government’s assistance to the pili farmers, increasing the number of pili trees, wholistic approach to pili industry or the need for pili development plan, and the support to the micro pili food processors.

Pili, whose scientific name is Canarum Ovatum is a tropical fruit native to Bicol and is considered by the Department of Agriculture (DA) the "flagship commodity" in Bicol region. It is abundant especially in the area of Albay, Camarines Sur and Sorsogon.

It can be noted that in 1992, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) reported that Bicol supplied 82 percent of the National production volume, most of which came from Sorsogon, this prompted the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) to declare Sorsogon as the commodity champion for Pili. Moreover, best quality of pili is found in Sorsogon.

As per record of the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS), Sorsogon belongs to the top pili growing provinces in the country with 3,693.10 metric tons, followed by Albay with 1,818.79 metric tons, Northern Samar with 782.00, Camarines Sur with 354.96, Quezon with 104.95, Samar with 101.16, Negros Occidental with 89.98, Eastern Samar with 84.83, Camarines Norte with 43.00 and Catanduanes with 11.04 metric tons.  

Based on Wikipedia, only the Philippines processed Pili Nuts for commercial purposes. (BARecebido, PIA Sorsogon/MPCaguia, RPO-DTI)