DAVAO CITY — The Davao Region Central Experiment Station launched a one-hectare organic ube production project in Barangay Manambulan, Tugbok District, on October 9, 2026. The initiative aims to address the limited supply of planting materials and meet growing market demand for the purple root crop.
Evaluating Three Ube Cultivars
The project will evaluate three selected ube cultivars: PSB VU-5, NSIC CY-8, and PSB VU-2, all sourced from the Philippine Root Crop Research and Training Center. These varieties will be assessed for adaptability and performance under the region's midland growing conditions.
The production site will serve as an evaluation and demonstration area. Researchers will monitor growth, development, yield, and other production characteristics under organic farming conditions. Cultivars found suitable for local conditions, with good quality and climate resilience, will be recommended for distribution to farmers.
Creating Opportunities for Farmers
Agriculture Regional Executive Director Macario D. Gonzaga emphasized the project's significance during the launch. "Today's launching of organic ube production is one of the most important projects because we are not only planting ube, but we are planting the seeds of an opportunity for our farmers, our communities, and the ube industry of Davao Region," he said.
Gonzaga highlighted the growing domestic and international market for ube. He urged the station to develop production technologies and provide quality planting materials to help farmers increase production and meet market demand. The initiative reflects a strategic push to position Davao Region as a competitive player in the ube industry.
Expanding Access to Quality Planting Materials
The planting materials will be made available to prospective ube growers, organic farmers, farmers' organizations, agricultural extension workers, and other stakeholders. This broad distribution aims to democratize access to improved varieties and encourage wider cultivation.
Through the project, DARCES intends to expand the supply of quality ube planting materials across the region. Farmers who previously struggled to find reliable sources can now access varieties proven to perform well under local conditions. This removes a significant barrier to entry for new growers.
Meeting Rising Market Demand
Ube has gained immense popularity in recent years, both locally and abroad. The global demand for ube-flavored products, from ice cream to pastries, has created new export opportunities for Philippine farmers. However, supply has struggled to keep pace with this surge.
By establishing a dedicated production and evaluation site, DARCES addresses this gap directly. The project not only identifies the best-performing cultivars but also generates knowledge that can be shared across the agricultural community. This knowledge transfer is essential for scaling up production efficiently.
A Sustainable Path Forward
The focus on organic farming methods adds another layer of value. Organic ube commands premium prices in specialty markets and appeals to health-conscious consumers. By promoting organic cultivation, the project aligns with broader trends toward sustainable agriculture and environmentally friendly farming practices.
The launch of this project signals a long-term commitment to developing the ube industry in Davao Region. With continued research, farmer support, and market linkage, the region can strengthen its position as a reliable source of quality ube. This benefits not only farmers but also the entire value chain, from processors to exporters.
