The Department of Agriculture (DA) has welcomed the creation of United Ube PH Association Inc., a unified national group aiming to strengthen and expand the Philippine ube industry. Formed following a July meeting convened by Agriculture Secretary Francis Tiu Laurel Jr., the organization secured official registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission this month as a non-stock, non-profit entity. It unites farmers, cooperatives, processors, traders, exporters, researchers, and government representatives across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
United Ube PH will help develop a nationwide industry strategy, host the first National Ube Forum in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur next month, and drive a membership campaign across key producing areas. It is also building market partnerships and drafting a cooperation agreement with the DA to guide joint industry actions.
“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,” said Secretary Tiu Laurel, noting the group will support efforts to raise production and farmer value capture. Undersecretary Philip Young added ube has evolved into a high-potential commodity with rising demand domestically and abroad.
DA also highlighted ongoing research and development: University of the Philippines Los Baños scientists are evaluating 10 superior ube varieties for better yield, color, and flavor. Plans are underway to scale up quality planting materials and establish production and processing sites nationwide.
Official data shows 2025 ube production fell 6.7 percent from 2024’s 13,382 MT, while exports earned $3.06 million, mainly to the US, UK, Italy, and the Middle East. The DA and United Ube PH aim to reverse output declines and unlock the crop’s full global potential.
