Local purple yam (ube) stakeholders have formed a federation, dubbed the United Ube PH Association Inc., as part of efforts to centralize initiatives to strengthen domestic production and boost exports of the prized crop.
The federation comprises farmers, cooperatives, growers, processors, traders, exporters, researchers, the academe, government agencies, and other industry players.
It grew out of a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Department of Agriculture (DA), as local production lags behind demand.
Current output is around 50 to 60 metric tons (MT) per operator, but stakeholders believe better supply coordination and broader access to high-quality raw materials could boost production.
According to the DA, United Ube PH was officially registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) this month as a non-stock, non-profit organization representing the Philippine ube industry.
Carrying the banner, ‘One Industry. One Vision. One Philippine Ube,’ the agency added that the federation seeks to turn a fragmented industry into a ‘more coordinated and competitive’ force in domestic and international markets.
The DA said the group has begun working with government agencies, local government units (LGUs), business organizations, and other stakeholders to develop concrete industry strategies.
These include preparations for the 1st National Ube Forum in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur, scheduled for September. It serves as a nationwide ube industry development strategy and a membership drive covering major ube-producing areas.
For Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., the organization could give the sector a voice as the DA works to develop ube into a major agricultural export.
‘This organization gives the ube industry a stronger advocate and a clearer path to market. We want Philippine ube to become one of our export winners, and that means building an industry strong enough to meet global demand while ensuring our farmers capture more of its value,’ Tiu Laurel said.
Furthermore, the DA said United Ube PH is also building market and institutional partnerships by onboarding institutional buyers, holding exploratory discussions with Philippine and German business chambers, and developing long-term supply and purchase agreements.
It added that the federation is drafting a bilateral agreement with the DA to deepen government-industry cooperation and identify areas for joint intervention.
It is also consolidating farmers, processors, traders, exporters, researchers, and other stakeholders through its nationwide membership campaign.
The DA announced that United Ube PH will also be soft-launched during ASEAN-HWONFEX 2026 from September 4 to 6 at the SMX Convention Center Manila, showcasing Philippine ube and connecting with potential buyers, investors, and business partners.