Published July 21, 2021, 1:22 PM The Philippines’ status as the world’s second top exporter of Cavendish banana is still threatened by the continuous infestation of Panama disease, now considered one of the most destructive plant diseases globally. Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA) Chairman Alberto Bacani said in a virtual briefing that the country’s banana industry continues to face its “biggest challenge” yet with the prevalence of Panama disease. This, according to him, has been resulting in dwindling hectarage among banana plantations, making it extra hard for the Philippines to compete against growing producers of Cavindish banana, such as Cambodia and Vietnam.