Philippines government backs ‘modern rubber processing plant’ project

Manila – The Philippines' government is supporting a private-sector plan to help develop the country's natural rubber industry, its department of agriculture has announced.

The project, proposed by tennis ball manufacturer Head Sport Philippines, involves building a “modern rubber processing plant,” said a 6 Sept statement.

The facility would source rubber from local farmers and convert the raw material into “high-quality” products, added the state newswire announcement.

Tennis ball manufacturer Head, it added, also discussed other initiatives to improve the local rubber industry and help boost income of growers.

The sports goods firm is, meanwhile, set to relocate its tennis ball production hub from China to Panabo City, Davao del Norte, in southern Philippines.

Operations at Head's new facility are set to start in the second quarter of 2024, according to the government newswire.