THE Department of Agriculture (DA) is seeking an initial P300 million for a program to expand ube production by 1,000 hectares in its first year to meet growing global demand.
The agency estimates development costs at P850,000 per hectare, covering farm development, support facilities and production.
In a statement on Tuesday, the DA said the initial expansion would at least double current output and the area planted to the root crop. Preparations will be timed to the November 2026 harvest and propagation cycle.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the department wants to develop the industry steadily and avoid mistakes made with other high-value crops that drew overseas demand.
The program has identified 10 varieties for large-scale production. To increase planting materials, the DA plans to grow small tuber pieces, laboratory-grown plantlets and vine cuttings.
Mother tubers will come from existing production areas, while selected farmers and cooperatives will serve as multiplier farms. The DA also aims to prevent Philippine planting materials from being used by other countries to compete in the growing global ube market.
Agriculture Undersecretary Philip Young said the expansion forms part of efforts to build reliable supply chains for export-ready commodities and open more overseas markets for Philippine farm products.
Meanwhile, Tiu Laurel clarified on Monday that the export suspension covers fresh ube that can be used as planting material, but excludes processed products.
“Raw ube can simply be cut into pieces and planted,” he told reporters, explaining that the restriction applies to unprocessed and untreated tubers that can be propagated.
The clarification followed reports suggesting that the DA had suspended all ube exports. Tiu Laurel said the department fully supports exports of processed products, including ube powder, puree, jam, ice cream and flavoring.
The DA, through the Bureau of Plant Industry, imposed the suspension in mid-August to address a shortage of planting materials needed for domestic expansion. It covers fresh ube and propagative materials intended for consumption, planting or research.
Tiu Laurel said the restriction would likely remain in place until 2028.
Philippine ube exports reached $3.06 million in 2025, according to the Department of Trade and Industry.
