A HISTORIC first for the country’s aquaculture industry, as the first-ever two-ton Philippine eel from Davao Region was exported to China. 

The Department of Agriculture- Davao Region (DA-XI) said the export of the Philippine eel to China marked another milestone in the country’s aquaculture industry in the global market.

“As the first shipment of Philippine eel to China, this ceremony not only opens a new export pathway but also highlights the growing global demand for Philippine aquatic products,” the DA XI said in a statement on Saturday, March 21.

The agency said that the shipment was valued at approximately ₱461,991 or 7,696 USD.

DA XI, in partnership with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), led the ceremonial send-off at the cargo terminal of the Davao International Airport.

Supplied by Maylong Enterprises Corporation and purchased by China’s Runkong Foods, this is the Philippines’ initial entry into the Chinese market for eel.

The agency hoped this would signal new opportunities for high-value aquaculture exports from the Davao Region, positioning it as a key player in delivering world-class, export-ready products to the global market.

The export was a direct offshoot of the participation of the Davao Region in the 2025 China International Import Expo (CIIE) last November 5-10, 2025, in Shanghai, China.

During the five-day expo, strategic engagements and market linkages were established with international buyers.

The ceremonial send-off was led by DA XI regional technical director for operations Marie Ann M. Constantino, regional technical director for research and regulations Zabdiel L. Zacarias, the DA XI Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), BFAR-XI Regional Fisheries Training and Fisherfolk Coordination Division OIC Renee Enriquez, Maylong Enterprises Corporation chief operating officer May Li, and Runkong Foods officials.

“This milestone demonstrates the viability of our aquaculture sector and affirms our capacity to meet global standards. It sends a strong signal to the international market that Davao Region can deliver both quality and scale,” Macario D. Gonzaga, DA XI regional executive director, said.

Gonzaga said the export reflects the country’s growing role in globally integrated agriculture in line with the agency’s mandate to expand market access, enhance the competitiveness of local producers, and promote value-adding products.

BFAR XI regional director Relly B. Garcia reaffirmed the agency’s support in ensuring product quality, strengthening production systems, and providing assistance to exporters in complying with international food safety and trade standards.