MANILA, Feb. 1 -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Wednesday it is gearing up to ensure the production of high-quality durians for its US$2.09-billion "durian protocol" deal with China.

In a statement, the DA said it needed to intensify actions with various stakeholders to achieve sustainable Grade A durian production for Chinese importers after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s three-day state visit to China.

"The administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is committed to implementing strategies to ensure high-quality fruits for export, including durian, which is subject of an export deal with China amounting to $2 billion," it said.

Primary production sources of high-quality durians include Davao City and the pro...