INDIGENOUS farmers in Paquibato District learned ube production to capitalize on the growing demand for purple yams.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) XI, through its Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran ng Kababayang Katutubo (4K) Program, has launched the ube production initiative for IP farmers in the city to create a sustainable livelihood.
DA XI agriculturist Crystal Venus Santander noted that ube, locally known as kinampay or the “Queen of Philippine Yams,” is among the rising commodities under the High-Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP), driven by growing global appetite for ube-based products.
“With the increasing demand for ube-based products in both local and international markets, DA-11 continues to support Indigenous Communities by introducing high-value crops that can improve household incomes while promoting sustainable agriculture,” she said.
Members of the Ata Paraiso Tularo Association (APATA) in Sitio Paraiso, Barangay Tapak received hands-on training on ube propagation and management.
The training covers land preparation, selection of quality planting materials, proper planting techniques, and crop management practices aimed at improving yields, followed by a ceremonial planting that formally marked the start of APATA’s ube production.
The program was implemented in partnership with Market Reach International Resources, a Makati-based company that donated 850 ube setts to the association.
In return, the partnership provides APATA with a secured market linkage, ensuring that farmers will have a ready buyer for their harvest.
DA XI said this partnership strengthens the association’s livelihood opportunities while ensuring a steady supply of ube for local and international markets.
“Through this activity, we learned the proper techniques for planting ube, knowledge that will help us improve our production. We are deeply grateful to the DA-11 4K Program for this opportunity. We hope your support will continue, and we are committed to nurturing and expanding the planting materials provided so that this initiative will benefit not only our association but also our community in the years to come,” APATA chairperson Oliver Manlangan expressed.
