MANILA, Philippines – The Aquino administration welcomes the plan of the US government to allow the import of more Philippine mangoes other than those from Guimaras, especially now that local carriers have been allowed to fly to various destinations in America.
Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the national government is pleased with the news that the US now allows Philippine carriers to fly to different destinations in America, which would mean greater economic benefits for both countries.
The US Federal Aviation Authority and the International Civil Aviation Organization had earlier upgraded to Category One the status of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) following the country’s strict compliance with air safety rules.
As a result, both flag-carrier Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific would be allowed more flights to more US territories, which likewise includes several countries in Europe.
“If, in another front we get good news, then we welcome that news with total appreciation and we hope that it will result in even more beneficial outcomes to our farmers and to our industry,” Coloma told newsmen earlier.
“Let us be aware that there is an entire spectrum of relationships in the international field—both multilaterally and bilaterally,” the head of the Presidential Communications Operations Office added.
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News reports indicated earlier that mango industry representatives have until June 9 to respond to proposals from US plant health authorities on mangoes imported from the Philippines.
If the proposals put forth by the US Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) are approved, four new mango-producing regions in the Philippines would be allowed to ship their products to the world’s largest economy.
Current US rules only allow the import of Philippine mangoes from the region of Guimaras, but Filipino officials have asked their American counterparts to recognize new pest-free areas that also produce mangoes.
After an assessment, APHIS has recommended that mango-growing regions in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao be declared free of mango seed weevil and mango pulp weevil.
US President Obama is arriving in the Philippines on April 28 as part of his four-nation Asian tour. Obama is also visiting Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia. He will stay overnight in Manila.
Coloma said President Aquino and Obama would discuss topics of mutual concern, such as defense and security, and economic relations.
