Bohol eyes five-year plan to develop ubi industry

MANDAUE CITY, Cebu – With foreign firms expressing interest in Bohol‘s ubi industry, the provincial government is seeking ways to boost local production and strengthen farmers’ resilience.

“Ang ubi adunay dako nga panginahanglan sa internasyonal nga merkado. Dili kita angay magpabilin sa ulahi. Ato kining palig-onon ug pauswagon ang industriya sa ubi aron mas daghan pa ang makabenepisyo niini,” Governor Erico Aris Aumentado said in a social media post.

(There is strong demand for ubi in the international market, and we don’t want to be left behind. We need to strengthen and develop the local ubi industry so more people can benefit from its growing opportunities.)

READ: Bohol seeks GI protection for Ubi Kinampay, a PH heritage crop

The development of Bohol’s agricultural sector took center stage during a recent meeting between provincial officials led by Governor Aumentado and representatives of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The meeting also focused on a proposal to craft a five-year research program aimed at further developing the province’s thriving ubi industry, the provincial government said in an advisory that it shared on its social media page.

“Mas makapalipay pa nga gikonsiderar ang Probinsya sa Bohol isip posible nga usa sa mga benepisyaryo sa $15 million nga pondo sa USDA alang sa Pilipinas, aron pag-promote ug pag-improve sa atong local Ubi value chain,” Aumentado said.

(It is encouraging that the province of Bohol is being considered as one of the beneficiaries of the US$15 million assistance that the USDA has earmarked for the Philippines to promote and strengthen the local ubi value chain.)

“Kung mapili kita, dako kini og tabang sa pagpalambo sa atong Ubi Kinampay ug paghatag og mas daghang oportunidad sa panginabuhian alang sa atong mga mag-uuma,” he added.

(If we are selected, this will greatly help in the development of our Ubi Kinampay industry and create more livelihood opportunities for our farmers.)

USDA Manila International Program Specialist Kevin Alonzo said the agency’s $15 million allocation may be used to support technical assistance, research institutions, and capacity-building workshops under related agricultural development programs.

Initial activities will include baseline assessments to evaluate existing conditions, identify gaps, and develop a strategic work plan. Preparation of the necessary documents is expected to begin on September 30.

READ: USDA eyes support for Bohol ube industry

During their visit on June 29, USDA Manila Agricultural Attaché Herpin Rochet Jateng emphasized the need to support local farmers through collaborative efforts involving government agencies, non-government organizations, and private sector partners.

The visit also served as a learning mission for the delegation to gain a deeper understanding of Bohol’s ubi industry, assess its current challenges, and identify opportunities for growth and expansion into international markets.

Aumentado said the local ubi industry has the potential to become a major source of livelihood for Boholanos. He noted that the crop can thrive in a variety of environments, including island communities such as the Municipality of President Carlos P. Garcia.

Provincial Agriculturist Dr. Liza Quirog said several foreign companies have expressed interest in sourcing Bohol-grown ubi, underscoring the need to address production constraints, particularly pest- and insect-related problems.

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