Potato farmers across Benguet’s vegetable-growing highlands have begun harvesting crops planted just months ago, with this year’s harvest bringing new promise alongside familiar yields. Alongside the well-known Granola variety, seven additional potato types—Hilite Russet, Russet Burbank, Eva, Mystere, Kennebec, Red Norland, and Satina—were cultivated in trial plots to identify more productive options and strengthen the long-term sustainability of the local potato industry.
This harvest marks another key milestone in Universal Robina Corporation’s (URC) Sustainable Potato Program, which has supported farmers with quality seeds, technical training, and market access for eight years. URC President and CEO Irwin Lee attributed the program’s progress to the farmers’ dedication and the strong partnerships built throughout the initiative. “These achievements belong to every farmer whose dedication and stewardship have transformed every harvest into a better future for their families and communities,” Lee said.
The July-harvested crops grew from 54 metric tons of Granola seed potatoes distributed by URC in late April to 216 members of the United Potato Producers of Benguet and Mountain Province Incorporated. Planted in early May, the harvest wrapped up in the final week of August. Farmers will keep part of the yield to use as seeds for their next planting cycle, while selling the remainder to generate income.
Building on its eight-year track record, URC has now provided over 600 metric tons of seed potatoes valued at more than P40 million to over 1,000 farmers across the Cordillera Administrative Region, Bukidnon, and Davao. The company estimates these efforts have yielded around 34,000 metric tons of potatoes with a farm-gate value of roughly P1.36 billion, and participating farmers have earned an average annual income of about P300,000. In the first five years of the program alone, URC reported a 4 percent rise in national potato production.
Support extends beyond farm fields to benefit farming families. Since 2022, the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation has funded scholarships for 18 children of program beneficiaries, most attending Benguet State University. Eight scholars have already graduated—two with cum laude honors—while six are set to graduate this year, and the rest will complete their studies by 2029. In partnership with Kerry Group Philippines Foundation, the foundation also donated a greenhouse used to propagate potato seedlings, linking educational support directly to efforts that secure the industry’s long-term viability.
This year’s harvest also coincides with URC’s 70th anniversary. Established in 1956, the food and beverage company notes this milestone highlights its ongoing commitment to creating economic opportunities in communities tied to its operations. Lee emphasized plans to expand access to quality farming resources, skills training, and market links as the program enters its next phase. “Together, we will continue building stronger farming communities of the future,” he said. For Benguet’s potato growers, that future is already taking root—with this season’s harvest delivering both immediate income and the seeds for further progress.
