The Iloilo Provincial Government is laying the groundwork to position the province as the premier ube (purple yam) production center of the country, capitalizing on soaring international demand for processed agricultural goods.
Provincial Administrator Raul Banias recently spearheaded high-level discussions with representatives from the Institute of Contemporary Economics (ICE) and Mindanao-based industry experts to map out a comprehensive roadmap for the local ube agri-industry.
Also present during the meeting were Santo Domingo Farms Ventures, Inc. President and Chief Steward Marco Adriane R. Escudero, JPC Golden Alliance Trading Inc. (Maharlika Ube) Vice President Padiernos B. Alover as well as personnel from the Provincial Agriculture Office and the Office of the Provincial LEDIP Officer,
The initiative aims to bridge domestic supply gaps while aggressively tapping into the lucrative global market for processed ube powder.
To meet stringent international standards, the province is rolling out foundational infrastructure, starting with a specialized ube nursery earmarked for the municipality of Cabatuan.
Banias said the venture directly supports the broader development goals of Governor Arthur Defensor Jr., whose administration continues to prioritize the modernization, expansion, and commercial scaling of Iloilo’s agricultural sector.IMT
