Stakeholders from the ube industry have formalized a national federation that will provide representation and policy direction amid the ongoing popularity of purple yam products.
Dubbed the United Ube PH Association Inc., the national organization will provide stronger representation, clearer direction and a common national identity for the ube industry.
Members include farmers, cooperatives, growers, processors, traders, exporters, researchers, the academe, government agencies and other industry players to support the country’s ube industry.
‘This organization gives the ube industry a stronger advocate and a clearer path to market,’ Agriculture Secretary Francis Tiu Laurel Jr. said in a statement yesterday.
‘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,’ he added.
United Ube PH has officially registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as a non-stock, non-profit organization representing the Philippine ube industry.
Since its formation, the group has started working with government agencies, local government units, business organizations and other stakeholders to create concrete strategies to boost the industry.
United Ube PH is also looking to expand markets and partnerships with institutional buyers, conducting exploratory discussions with Philippine and German business chambers and developing long-term supply and purchase agreements.
The group and the Department of Agriculture will draft a bilateral agreement that would improve cooperation and identify potential joint interventions.
Meanwhile, preparations are underway to create a nationwide ube industry development strategy while also conducting a membership drive.
The group is also set to inaugurate the first National Ube Forum in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur, in September, bringing together stakeholders and government agencies.
It is also set to participate in the ASEAN Health Tourism and Wellness Economy Summit, where it will present Philippine ube products and reach out to potential buyers, investors and business partners.
The country has been pushing to capitalize on the ongoing craze for ube products in local and international markets. The government is looking to allocate P300 million next year to raise output and improve support for the ube industry.