Palawan’s endemic fruits eyed for export

MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) is studying the export potential of endemic fruits in Palawan to give indigenous tribes in the province an alternative source of livelihood.

BAR has alloted a budget of P2 million for the identification of indigenous tropical fruits in Palawan that have commercial value. Among those already identified are batuan, paratungon and dugyan.

BAR director Nicomedes Eleazar said that a market  already exists because tourists are expected to flock to Palawan after the Puerto Princesa Underground River was  declared last year as one of world’s New Seven Wonders.

“We find the development of Palawan’s indigenous fruit species as timely especially as Palawan is now known the world over for its tourist-luring subterranean river. There is a ready market for these fruits especially among foreigners that are fascinated with their unique features,” said Eleazar.

“Other countries have harnessed their endemic plants as nutritional food products. Malaysia commercialized to the global market its own native plant tongkat ali.  We should do the same,” he added.

He noted that other countries have beaten  the Philippines in the development of some of their native plants.  Japan, for instance, was the one that successfully commercialized the native banaba plant.

A five-year plan is now being mapped by BAR and the Department of Agriculture (DA) for the commercialization of indigenous fruits of Palawan.

Most of Palawan’s indigenous fruits are found in its forests. 

The batuan, scientifically named as “Garcinia binucao,”  is famous in  Panay Island. It is also known in Palawan as “kandis,” but is a different species, according to BAR.

BAR said that  ECJ Farms, an affiliate company of San Miguel Corp. (SMC), has started growing the batuan in its plantation in Negros Occidental.

The batuan fruit is under the same family of mangosteen and has a sour taste. It is sometimes used as an ingredient for sinigang. It can be found in most public markets in the province.

Dugyan, meanwhile, is compared to the more popular durian fruit but has a less powerful odor.  

Paratungon, on the other hand, is usually used for making candies, marmalade, jelly, and jams as well as wine.  

Found specifically in southern Palawan, paratungon is an endemic palm found in humid areas in both lowland and highlands.

Its stem is used as a construction material for houses and furniture.