JPN-PHL joint research team advances sustainable disease management measures on banana and cacao production

The two-day 2nd International Stakeholders' Forum on Banana and Cacao Diseases Management in the Philippines successfully concluded on February 7, 2025, in Davao, bringing together research institutions, government agencies, and industry partners to advance discussions on diseases management and sustainability of two of the country’s high-value crops, banana and cacao. The forum was a key component of the ongoing Project for the Development of Novel Disease Management Systems for Banana and Cacao (BaCaDM), a collaboration among the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), Central Luzon State University (CLSU), Japan’s Tamagawa University, and Department of Agriculture - Bureau of Plant Industry (DA-BPI) under the JICA-supported research project, that is Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development (SATREPS).

Building on the outcomes of the first forum held in September 2024 in Manila, this second leg facilitated further scientific discussions and collaborative engagements among stakeholders working toward the development of sustainable production systems for banana and cacao. Dr. WATANABE Kyoko, Chief Investigator of the SATREPS-BaCaDM Project, underscored the significance of this international forum in bridging research efforts and industry applications.

The two-day event was structured to provide focused discussions on each industry. The first day presented a situation of the cacao industry in the Philippines which covered key topics such as public and private initiatives and disease diagnosis related to cacao diseases. The second day shifted the focus to the banana sector and highlighted disease management measures and partnership opportunities. Invited experts gave updates on critical research topics, including novel pathogens, soil disinfestation experiments, and industry-wide disease surveillance. On the other hand, the open forums served as a platform for dialogue, fostering new research collaborations and strengthening synergies among the key players in both industries.

Since 2021, the SATREPS-BaCaDM Project has been spearheading research and field surveys to identify the causes of disease outbreaks affecting banana and cacao farms in the Philippines. The project ultimately aims to establish innovative technological systems that will effectively control and manage prevalent plant diseases and consequently ensure long-term agricultural development and food security.

In his message at the forum, JICA Philippines Senior Representative OSHIMA Jiro reaffirmed JICA’s commitment to supporting the project and emphasized the importance of international collaboration. “JICA remains dedicated to fostering research-driven solutions that will contribute to the sustainability of the banana and cacao industries in the Philippines. We jointly make efforts to lead to innovative disease management strategies and stronger industry resilience,” he stated.

While the Philippines remains to be the top exporter of bananas in Asia, which supplies about 60% of Asian banana shipments on average, its local production has been constantly dropping due to the impact of banana diseases [1] such as Furasium Wilt Tropical Race 4 (TR4). On the other hand, the cacao industry is also losing 30% of cacao pods and 10% of its trees die annually due to diseases [2] . As both industries continue to suffer from disease outbreaks, the insights and commitments made during this forum will play a crucial role in shaping future disease management strategies. The success of the 2nd International Stakeholders' Forum reaffirms the collective determination to ensure the long-term viability of these high value crops, as well as the agricultural sector in the Philippines.

Participants of the two-day forum. Photo from CLSU.


Mr. Dante Muyco, Jr. discusses the status of Philippine Cacao Industry. Photo from CLSU.


JICA Philippines Senior Representative OSHIMA Jiro delivers his message of support.

[1] Banana Market Review (fao.org)
[2] blackpodrot.pdf (da.gov.ph)