Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala, in a press conference conducted during the opening of the 12th Davao Trade Expo (DATE) at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Convention Hall on Friday, said the use of banana as extender to various food products can greatly help enhance the industry’s growth.
“Ang paggamit ng saging bilang extender ay napakalaking bagay. Halimbawa nito ay ang paghahalo ng saging sa sinaing (The use of banana as an extender is a big thing, like mixing it in rice),” he said.
On the other hand, Department of Trade and Industry-Davao City Field Office (DTI-DCFO) director Teolulo T. Pasawa said the introduction of Pinoy fries in the world market is another innovation that can boost the banana industry.
“Pinoy fries, which is actually made of saba variety of banana, ay pantapat natin sa French fries na gawa sa patatas (is equivalent to French fires from potatoes),” Pasawa said.
Pinoy fries are being produced by Sagrex Foods of renowned local businessman Ferdinand Y. Maranon.
In January 2005, Maranon registered the banana fries with the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) and the microwavable frozen ripe banana two months after. Both products were regarded as “firsts” in the world, which means that anybody or any company who would like to sell the products should initially ask permission from Maranon.