By I. Inojales | 08:51 AM July 03, 2026
TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol — The provincial government of Bohol and representatives of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) met on June 29 to discuss a proposed five-year research program aimed at improving the province’s ubi (purple yam) industry.
Governor Erico Aristotle “Aris” Aumentado led the meeting at the Provincial Capitol with USDA officials and provincial stakeholders to explore funding and collaboration for the proposed project, which is scheduled for implementation from January 2027 to December 2031.
The proposed program, titled “Strengthening the Resilience and Competitiveness of the Bohol Ubi (Dioscorea alata L.) Industry Through Integrated Pest and Disease Research, Molecular Characterization, and the Establishment of the Bohol Ubi Crop Protection Center,” aims to strengthen the province’s yam industry through research on pests and diseases, molecular characterization, and sustainable crop protection.
The project also includes the establishment of a Bohol Ubi Crop Protection Center equipped with laboratory and molecular diagnostic facilities.
USDA Manila Agricultural Attaché Herpin Rochet Jateng said the visit was intended to better understand Bohol’s ubi industry and identify opportunities for research collaboration, farmer support, and market development.
Provincial Agriculturist Dr. Liza Quirog said the province is seeking research partners to conduct molecular-level studies on ubi, noting that foreign companies have expressed interest in sourcing the crop from Bohol. She said research is needed to address production challenges, particularly pest and disease infestations.
USDA Manila International Program Specialist Kevin Alonzo said the U.S. government has allocated about $15 million for technical assistance, research, and training under related agricultural development programs. He said baseline assessments and project planning are expected to begin later this year, with preparatory documentation targeted by Sept. 30.
Aumentado said ubi remains a promising source of livelihood for Bohol farmers because it can be grown in different parts of the province, including island municipalities.
Provincial Administrator Asteria Caberte, meanwhile, emphasized the need to improve farm-level production and undertake value chain analysis to identify opportunities for expanding the industry while preserving the crop’s cultural significance to Bohol.
