USDA eyes support for Bohol ube industry
EXPORT CROP A yam farmer in Bohol displays the prized “kinampay” variety of ube (purple yam), widely regarded as the “queen of ube” for its rich flavor, natural sweetness, and distinct aroma. —LEO UDTOHAN
TAGBILARAN CITY, BOHOL, Philippines — Officials from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) visited Bohol on Monday to explore possible funding support for a proposed five-year research program aimed at strengthening the province’s globally recognized ube (purple yam) industry.
The USDA delegation met with Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado, provincial officials, and representatives from the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and Department of Science and Technology (DOST) at the Provincial Capitol.
The discussions focused on a proposed research initiative titled, “Strengthening the Resilience and Competitiveness of the Bohol Ubi (Dioscorea alata L.) Industry Through Integrated Pest and Disease Research, Molecular Characterization, and the Establishment of the Bohol Ubi Crop Protection Center.”
READ: Bohol, Leyte farmers get ‘ube’ planting materials
Project inclusion
The project is targeted for implementation from 2027 to 2031.
Aumentado said the Philippines is among the priority countries under the USDA Food for Progress Program, which provides financial assistance for agricultural development. He said Bohol is being considered one of the potential beneficiaries of the program’s $15-million allocation for the Philippines to support the development of the province’s local ubi value chain.
The proposed project includes pest and disease surveillance, laboratory diagnostics, molecular characterization, sustainable crop protection measures, and the establishment of a Bohol Ubi Crop Protection Center equipped with modern laboratory facilities and research equipment.
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USDA Manila Agricultural Attaché Herpin Rochet Jateng said the visit aimed to gain a better understanding of Bohol’s ubi industry and identify opportunities for collaboration in research and international market development.
Provincial Agriculturist Dr. Liza Quirog said the provincial government is seeking research partners to address production constraints, particularly pest- and disease-related issues, amid growing interest from foreign companies in sourcing Bohol-grown ubi.
Tech assistance, research
According to USDA International Program Specialist Kevin Alonzo, the US government has earmarked approximately $15 million for technical assistance, research, and capacity-building activities under related agricultural development programs. Baseline assessments and project preparations are expected to begin later this year.
Provincial Administrator Asteria Caberte said strengthening farm-level production and conducting a value chain analysis would help maximize the crop’s economic potential while preserving its cultural significance.
In Bohol, the purple yam is locally known as “ubi,” a name that distinguishes it from the more commonly used Filipino term ube and reflects the province’s culture and heritage.
Widely recognized as the country’s ube capital, Bohol remains the Philippines’ largest producer of the crop, producing more than 8 million kilograms of ubi annually from about 1,200 hectares of farmland.
Around 400 farmers belong to the Bohol Ubi Growers Association, which supports the production and promotion of the crop. /cb
