With the aim of developing the mango industry in Negros Oriental, the Provincial Agriculturist Office (PAO) held a two-day training for mango growers here. The training focused on the good practices in growing quality mangoes that will pass international market standards. Some 50 participants composed of mango growers and high valued commercial crops (HVCC) agricultural technicians from the different local government units in the province attended the training conducted by the Department of Agriculture (DA) RFU-7 Regional Crop Protection Center and National Seed Quality Control Services.

According to PAO Information Officer Nitz Bangay, the training tackled various topics such as quarantine requirements of Philippine fruits for export, analysis/maximum residue limit, general pesticide information, and insect pest management, among others. Recently, Pres. Gloria Macapagal called on local government units to support the conduct of the 2008 Food Summit slated on April 4. The message was sent across to some 50 governors who attended this morning the Governors-National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)-Cabinet Group meeting at Malacanang's Heroes' Hall.

Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap, who made a presentation, said the national food summit aims to "harmonize the food sufficiency/security initiatives of the national government, the local government units and private sector stakeholders and address the global challenges such as climate change and surging food demand by fast growing economies."