The Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), in partnership with the Philippine Root Crop Research and Training Center, has distributed more than 60,000 purple yam planting materials worth P2.6 million to over 900 farmers in Leyte and Bohol.
The initiative aims to strengthen ube production while helping farmers tap the growing demand for the crop in both local and international markets.
Farmers Across Key Towns in Visayas Receive Support
In Bohol, beneficiaries came from Dagohoy, San Isidro, Lila, Cortes, and Alburquerque. In Leyte, farmers from Abuyog, Tacloban City, Baybay, Bato, Maasin, Ormoc, Carigara, Mayorga, Palompon, Naval, Mahaplag, Kananga, Burauen, Calubian, and Inopacan were among those who received the planting materials.
The wide distribution highlights efforts to reach diverse farming communities and strengthen root crop production across the region.
BPI Eyes Growing Global Demand for “Purple Gold”
Alongside the distribution, BPI continues to provide technical support and capacity-building activities to help farmers improve yields and maximize income opportunities.
“As ‘ube’ gains worldwide recognition, we must ensure Filipino farmers are positioned to take advantage of the opportunities it creates,” said BPI Director Glenn Panganiban, underscoring the crop’s rising global appeal.
