balita.ph; May 20, 2014 10:18 am 

LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte, May 19 — Leading the way towards the establishment of more dragon fruit plantations and processing centers in the country, the Philippine Dragon Fruit Growers and Processors National Council was organized recently to make its presence felt in the export market.

Led by its president, multi-awarded farmer scientist and woman entrepreneur Edita Aguinaldo-Dacuycuy of REFMAD Farms, the pioneering dragon fruit plantation in Ilocos region, the newly-organized council backed by various government agencies such as the Department of Agriculture, Department of Agrarian Reform and the Ilocos Region Agriculture Resources Research and Development Council (ILARRDEC) aims to promote dragon fruit as a promising high value crop with a great demand in the export market.

At present, there are at least 40 active members in the council composed of big time players in the agriculture industry from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

“By coming as one, we envision to make the Philippines known for its quality fruit products such as dragon fruit,”Dacuycuy said after her meeting with DA Secretary Proceso Alcala in Manila Monday.

The 69-year old Dacuycuy, popularly known as the “Dragon Lady” of Ilocos Norte said they are now on the process of registering the council to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The oath-taking ceremony of the new officers and members is expected this June.

In the last four years, dragon fruit growing in the Philippines has been attracting farm enthusiasts and investors from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

With a high demand for this exotic fruit known for its therapeutic properties, dragon fruit growers and investors can earn if they penetrate the international market.

In Ilocos Norte, local growers have developed at least six varieties of dragon fruit.

Leonardo Pascua, project leader of the dragon fruit research and development extension of MMSU, who is also one of the consultants of the national council, said dragon fruit growers need to have at least 1,000 ha of dragon fruit plantations to supply the global market.

While Ilocos Norte’s production is still below the export target now with around 100 hectares, growers here continue to produce other dragon fruit-based products that have found a steady market. Among these products are ice cream, jam, wine, vinegar, tea, cookies, pastries and even soap bars.[(PNA)FPV/LGA/EBP]