A NATIONAL organization has been formed to bring together ube farmers, processors and exporters, and help expand the market for Philippine purple yam, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said Monday.
The United Ube PH Association Inc. was registered this month with the Securities and Exchange Commission as a non-stock, non-profit organization representing the Philippine ube industry.
Under the banner, “One Industry. One Vision. One Philippine Ube,” the group aims to make the fragmented industry more organized and competitive in domestic and international markets.
With members from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, United Ube PH has begun working with government agencies, local governments, business groups, and other stakeholders on strategies to develop the industry, the DA said.
The organization is preparing for the first National Ube Forum in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur, next month. It is also developing a nationwide industry strategy and conducting a membership drive in major ube-producing areas.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. welcomed the group’s formation, saying it could strengthen the industry’s representation as the government seeks to develop ube into a major agricultural export.
“This organization gives the ube industry a stronger advocate and a clearer path to market,” Tiu Laurel said. “We want Philippine ube to become one of our export winners while ensuring our farmers capture more of its value.”
United Ube PH is also seeking partnerships with institutional buyers and has held exploratory discussions with Philippine and German business chambers. It is working on long-term supply and purchase agreements to strengthen the industry’s market links.
It is also drafting an agreement with the DA to strengthen government-industry cooperation and identify areas for joint support.
Agriculture Undersecretary Philip Young said ube has grown beyond its traditional identity in Filipino food and has become a high-potential agricultural commodity.
Demand for fresh ube and processed products is increasing in domestic and international markets, he said.
United Ube PH will be soft-launched at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations-Health and Wellness Conference and Expo on Sept. 4-6 at the SMX Convention Center Manila, where the group will showcase Philippine ube and connect with potential buyers, investors and business partners.
Philippine ube exports reached $3.06 million in 2025, according to the Department of Trade and Industry.
