‘Philippines does not import fresh ube’

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines does not import ube or purple yam, a unit of the Department of Agriculture (DA) said, amid rising popularity for the country’s root crop.

The Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI)’s National Plant Quarantine Services Division (NPQSD) clarified that the country does not import fresh ube.

“Any fresh ube being advertised, sold, distributed or represented as ‘imported’ should be treated with caution and may be subject to verification by the proper authorities,” the agency said.

It added that the importation of fresh agricultural commodities is subject to strict phytosanitary regulations to prevent the introduction and spread of harmful plant pests and diseases that may threaten Philippine agriculture and food security.

“The DA-BPI NPQSD remains committed to safeguarding the country’s plant resources through effective border control measures while facilitating safe and compliant agricultural trade,” the agency said.

Fresh ube is sourced locally, mainly from Benguet and Mountain Province, but limited supply has driven up prices. 

While processed forms like powder and extracts are occasionally imported, shipments of whole fresh yams remain prohibited.

This comes amid reports that the country is importing ube from neighboring countries like Vietnam to keep up with growing demand, as the purple root crop gains international popularity.

The country exported $3.06 million worth of ube and ube products in 2025, according to the Department of Trade and Industry, with destinations including the United States, United Kingdom, Italy and the Middle East.

The DA said earlier that it was looking to increase the funding for the country’s root crop to P93 million next year to support its production.