MANILA – The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has allocated $34.1 million to strengthen the Philippine ube industry, with approximately 12,500 Filipino farmers expected to benefit from the five-year development program.
The initiative, to be implemented by international nonprofit organization TechnoServe, aims to improve ube production, strengthen agricultural value chains, and expand market opportunities for Philippine-grown purple yam.
The program seeks to help local farmers increase productivity, improve the competitiveness of their products, and gain better access to domestic and international markets.
Ube, a popular ingredient in traditional Filipino desserts, has gained increasing international recognition through its use in ice cream, pastries, beverages, and other food products.
The USDA-funded initiative is expected to support the industry’s growth by strengthening connections among farmers, processors, and buyers while creating opportunities for greater participation in the global food market.
The five-year investment also highlights continued agricultural cooperation between the Philippines and the United States, particularly in developing high-value crops and supporting rural livelihoods.
With thousands of farmers expected to benefit, the program aims to strengthen the Philippine ube supply chain and help local producers capitalize on growing international demand.
