Lagdameo, a member of the National Unity Party (NUP), said the Center is envisioned to “develop a more balanced and integrated program for the banana industry and undertake research programs” that will lead to sustainable banana farming.

Under House Bill 5489, Lagdameo proposed that the Center under the supervision of the Department of Agriculture be named the Antonio O. Floirendo, Sr. Banana Research Center in recognition of the many contributions of the late businessman to the banana industry.

"He [Floirendo] is recognized as the 'banana king' for transforming vast tracts of raw land in Mindanao into fruits-for-exports plantations. He has successfully accomplished his dream of feeding most of the globe with Philippine bananas," said Lagdameo.

Lagdameo noted that the banana industry, one of the country’s top sources of dollar revenues,  is now worth 0 million a year and contributes P830 million in taxes to local government units (LGUs.

The industry also  provides jobs to 240,000 workers and pays P21 billion in wages every year, he added.

“In addition, the banana industry pays almost P1 billion in local taxes yearly for business permits, real estate taxes and other fees on top of the P900 million in taxes paid by contractors and suppliers. The industry also supports 30,000 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) and small landowners under various contract-growing arrangements or lease arrangements,”  Lagdameo pointed out.

"The establishment of the Antonio O. Floirendo, Sr. Banana Research Center is a concrete response towards addressing concerns in the banana industry such as prevention of diseases that infest banana farms, improved farming techniques and post-harvest practices, and the exploration of potential banana varieties," said Lagdameo.

Under Lagdameo’s proposal, the Center will be located in Panabo City in his home province of Davao del Norte. The location is ideal, he said, because "Mindanao is home to 81 percent of the country's banana production and generates export income largely from banana exports.”

“Although Mindanao continues to dominate the Philippine banana industry, local banana growers and producers have voiced their concerns on the industry's sustainability. More importantly, stakeholders see a pressing need to put up a banana research center that will undertake scientific research and analysis to further develop the industry. This will address the vital issues of food security and stability of the banana industry," said Lagdameo.

Lagdameo’s  bill, also known as the  "Philippine National Banana Research Center Act” is  co-authored by Rep. Anthony Del Rosario, a fellow lawmaker from  Davao del Norte.