Forum on Export Regulations Brings Key Agencies, Exporters Together in Davao City
Davao City — Over 90 exporters, industry stakeholders, and government representatives gathered at the Acacia Hotel on June 19, 2025, for the “Forum on Mandatory Regulatory Requirements for Export,” organized by the PHILEXPORT Davao Chapter. The event served as a dynamic platform for updating exporters on evolving regulatory standards, promoting inter-agency coordination, and addressing pressing industry concerns.
Attendees included representatives from PHILEXPORT Davao member companies, the PHILEXPORT Davao Board of Trustees and subject-matter experts from regional government agencies, who tackled wide-ranging export documentation and compliance issues.
Clarifying Compliance Amid Shifting Regulations
The forum aimed to bridge the information gap between exporters and government agencies, enabling more effective compliance with export requirements. Topics spanned across sectors including minerals, aquamarine products, coconut and natural fibers, plant products, and health-related exports.
In her presentation, Engr. Iris Kay L. Cortez of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau emphasized the need for strict adherence to documentation standards in the minerals and ores sector. Similarly, BFAR’s Katrine Joyce G. Bacla-an addressed sustainability and certification protocols for aquamarine product exports.
Joel T. Alcoser of PhilFIDA tackled the troubling decline in abaca production, citing disease outbreaks and low farmer support. He reported the formation of “Task Force Abaca” and ongoing efforts in disease management and farmer training.
Thessalee Mae E. Posadas of PCA Region XI addressed the controversial dual-clearance requirement for coconut fiber exports, revealing ongoing harmonization efforts with PHILFIDA. Meanwhile, Mikhail D. Young of the FDA discussed common pitfalls in securing Licenses to Operate (LTO) and emphasized the need for better applicant preparation.
Alvin Kelly Boyles of the Bureau of Plant Industry provided detailed updates on phytosanitary certification protocols and encouraged exporters to coordinate early to prevent delays.
Exporters Voice Urgent Concerns
The open forum generated robust discussions, with exporters candidly sharing their challenges—including processing delays caused by overlapping mandates, lack of clarity on new regulations, insufficient lab access, and the slow pace of digital transformation.
Government agencies responded openly, assuring participants of ongoing efforts to harmonize regulations and modernize procedures.
Key Recommendations Moving Forward
The forum concluded with three primary recommendations to improve the export regulatory environment:
- Establish working groups to address agency overlaps and unresolved concerns.
- Accelerate digitalization of certification processes to ease the compliance burden.
- Provide increased support and technical assistance for small-scale exporters.
Acknowledging a Collective Effort
PHILEXPORT Davao expressed its gratitude to all participating agencies, exporters, and partners for their collaborative spirit and commitment to improving the regional export landscape. Special thanks were extended to PHILEXPORT National for its continued support.
Prepared by:
Carlito Montecillo Jaim, Jr., LPT
Membership & Export Accreditation Officer
PHILEXPORT Davao Chapter