The Department of Agriculture (DA) expects the newly established United Ube PH Association Inc. to position Philippine ube as a premier global export while securing higher value for local farmers.

This follows the group’s registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) this month as a non-stock, non-profit organization, representing the Philippine ube sector.

“We want Philippine ube to become one of our export winners, and that means building an industry strong enough to meet global demand while ensuring our farmers capture more of its value,” DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said in a statement Monday.

The group is expected to establish stronger representation and national identity for the global export stage, as the government intensifies its efforts to support research and development programs for the said commodity.

Tiu Laurel said United Ube PH will amplify the voice of the industry, with ube as a major export potential.

“This organization gives the ube industry a stronger advocate and a clearer path to market,” he said.

Prior to its formation, Tiu Laurel convened with the ube industry stakeholders in July, during which the need to create a unified organization was identified.

To date, the United Ube PH is drafting a bilateral agreement with the DA to strengthen cooperation and determine areas for joint intervention.

The group is also building market and institutional partnerships by onboarding institutional buyers, holding exploratory discussions with Philippine and German business chambers, and developing long-term supply and purchase agreements.

Through a membership campaign, the organization is also consolidating farmers, processors, traders, exporters, researchers and other stakeholders nationwide. (PNA)