The International Tropical Fruits Network (TFNet) led a study visit on 26-30 April 2026 to pineapple companies in the Philippines, with participants from the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (MPIB) and the private sector.
The MPIB delegation was led by Chairman Mr. Sheikh Umar Bagharib and was supported by Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino and Consul General Mr. Deddy Faisal Ahmad Salleh with Mr. Muhamed Salim Mohd Ali leading TFNet.
The study visit was made possible with the support of the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), who represents the Philippines as a TFNet Country Member.
The program started on April 27 with a visit to the Plant Quarantine Service office in General Santos (PQS GenSan), where participants gained insights into quarantine regulations, export requirements, and international phytosanitary standards—providing useful benchmarks for improving Malaysia’s pineapple export. The briefing was delivered by Mr. Alvin Kelly Boyles, OIC–Regional Manager of PQS General Santos.
PQS GenSan was instrumental in facilitating the visit to pineapple production and processing facilities in General Santos, particularly to Dole Philippines, GS Fruits, and SunFarms Agriventure Corporation. In Calamba, Laguna, the delegation also visited Asiatex, a pineapple textile company.
The PQS GenSan team was led by Mr. El-Khaled D. Gordolan, Plant Quarantine Officer with Plant Quarantine Inspectors Mr. Mark Gerci L. Lorica and Mr. Vince S. Dela Cruz.
Finally, on April 30, the visit concluded with a courtesy call to BPI Director Gerald Glenn F. Panganiban, together with Assistant Director Herminigilda A. Gabertan, and NPQSD Export Focal Person Ms. Shereene R. Samala.
During the discussion, both sides exchanged views on strengthening cooperation in the tropical fruit sector. Dir. Panganiban proposed the establishment of a global phytosanitary research network for tropical fruits, aimed at enhancing access to up-to-date research, improving compliance with international standards, and facilitating greater market access.
He also highlighted the potential for technical collaboration and formally requested support for durian growers in Mindanao, particularly in learning best practices from Malaysia in durian cultivation and downstream processing.
Mr. Sheihk and Mr. Salim both expressed their gratitude for BPI’s technical support and expertise.
The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to deepen collaboration and pursue strategic initiatives to further develop and strengthen the pineapple industry in both countries.
