On 13 February 2026, Mr. Muhamed Salim bin Mohd Ali, Chief Executive Officer of the International Tropical Fruits Network (TFNet), paid a courtesy visit to Dr. Pablito Magdalita, President of the Philfruits Association (PFA) at the Fruit Crops Nursery of University of the Philippines Los Baños. Mr. Christian Cangao, Information Officer of TFNet was present in the meeting.
The Philfruits Association is a leading organization in the Philippines focused on advancing the fruit industry through research, technology, and industry collaboration. Its members include researchers, growers, and industry stakeholders.
During the meeting, both parties discussed opportunities for collaboration. PFA members will provide their expertise in tropical fruits for TFNet symposiums, conferences, webinars, and international consultancies. TFNet will support networking and capacity-building across its member countries.
PFA also expressed strong support for TFNet’s FruitNext initiative, a platform designed for undergraduate and postgraduate students to showcase their research, receive mentorship, and engage with experts and industry leaders.
TFNet and PFA have previously collaborated as co-organizers of the 2016 International Symposium on Tropical Fruits in Davao City, Philippines. Both organizations are also co-organizers of the upcoming 2nd International Congress on Pineapple, to be held on 8–10 September 2026, with Camarines Norte State College as the main organizer.
This visit reinforces TFNet’s commitment to strengthening partnerships in the tropical fruits sector and fostering knowledge exchange among researchers, industry players, and students.
