Building Standards for Bohol’s Ube Kinampay Industry
BOHOL - The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh), through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA), is strengthening efforts to establish a participatory guarantee and certification system for Ube Kinampay producers. Led by Governor Aris Aumentado, the initiative aims to develop clear and coordinated standards covering the production, processing, quality assurance, packaging, and marketing of Bohol’s traditional purple yam. The effort seeks to create a more organized system that can help producers maintain product quality while strengthening the identity and competitiveness of Ube Kinampay as a locally important agricultural product.
Stakeholders Work on Certification and Food Safety Requirements
A training on the TWG-IVCA of Ube Kinampay for the Ubi Participatory Guarantee/Certification System was held on August 27 at Level 007 in Tagbilaran City, bringing together stakeholders to discuss the proposed certification framework. Participants examined the draft certification system, the proposed Technical Working Group, Good Agricultural Practices, food safety regulations, and licensing requirements. These discussions are intended to help establish practical procedures that producers and partner organizations can follow while ensuring that Ube Kinampay meets appropriate standards from farm production through processing and marketing. Stronger coordination among farmers, local government units, and relevant agencies can also help address challenges and improve the consistency of the local industry.
Preparing Ube Kinampay for Wider Markets
The initiative supports the development of a competitive, value-added, and export-ready Ube Kinampay industry while empowering farmers through stronger collaboration and shared quality standards. By improving production practices, certification procedures, food safety measures, packaging, and marketing, Bohol hopes to create better opportunities for local producers and strengthen the economic potential of its traditional purple yam. The program also reflects the province’s commitment to sustainable agricultural development as the Philippines’ first and only UNESCO Global Geopark Regenerative Island. Through the Capitol’s Strategic Change Agenda and its focus on Climate-Smart Agriculture and Fisheries, Bohol continues to promote agricultural innovation while protecting and highlighting the province’s natural and cultural heritage.
