Bohol wants to preserve its link to ‘ubi kinampay’

HERITAGE CROP Bohol is securing geographical indication protection for its famed “ubi kinampay,” a step aimed at preserving the authenticity, heritage, and global reputation of the province’s purpleyam while creating more opportunities for local farmers and producers. —LEO UDTOHAN

TAGBILARAN CITY, BOHOL, Philippines — The Bohol provincial government has applied for geographical indication (GI) protection for “ubi kinampay,” the province’s iconic purple yam variety, in a move aimed at preserving its authenticity, cultural heritage and economic value.

Led by Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado, the provincial government through the Bohol Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office (Bedipo), filed the application with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines. GI protection is a form of intellectual property that identifies products whose qualities, characteristics, or reputation are closely associated with a specific geographic origin.

Article continues after this advertisement

The province’s initiative seeks to protect ubi kinampay, widely regarded as the “queen of Philippine yams,” from misuse and misleading claims while strengthening its identity as a product uniquely linked to Bohol.

FEATURED STORIES

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

READ: Global ube boom highlights problems for Filipino farmers

Known for its distinctive flavor, aroma, texture, and vibrant purple color, ubi kinampay has become one of Bohol’s most celebrated agricultural products. Its unique qualities are attributed to the province’s fertile soil, favorable climate, and generations of traditional farming practices.

As a recognized Geofood product of Bohol, the country’s first United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization Global Geopark, ubi kinampay has gained a strong reputation in both local and international culinary markets.

READ: Purple yam, global demand: Inside America’s growing ube craze

Article continues after this advertisement

Legal cover

The registration, once approved, will provide legal protection against unauthorized use of the Bohol ubi kinampay name and help ensure consumers receive authentic products.

The filing builds on years of efforts by the provincial government to strengthen the ubi kinampay industry through programs focused on production enhancement, farmer support, research and development, and cultural preservation.

Article continues after this advertisement

To date, the Philippines has four registered GIs: Guimaras mangoes, Aklan piña, Alburquerque “asin tibuok” and Tau Sebu “tnalak.”

Officials said GI protection is expected to increase the product’s market value, strengthen consumer confidence, and create greater economic opportunities for farmers and producers. It will also help preserve traditional knowledge and farming techniques passed down through generations.

Once registered, Bohol ubi kinampay will become the province’s second locally protected GI, following the successful registration of Alburquerque town’s famed asin tibuok, a variety of artisanal sea salt.

Top producer

Bohol is widely recognized as the Philippines’ ube capital and remains the country’s leading producer of the crop. The province is home to several yam varieties, including kinampay, “tam-isan,” “baligonhon,” “apali,” “iniling” and “kabus-ok.”

According to assistant provincial agriculturist Larry Pamugas, the province produces more than 8 million kilograms of yam annually from about 1,200 hectares of farmland. At least 400 farmers are members of the Bohol Ubi Growers Association, which supports the production and promotion of the crop.

Boholanos refer to the purple yam as “ubi” a distinction that reflects its cultural significance. It is also the only agricultural crop mentioned in the official Bohol hymn.

Pamugas said Bohol’s long-standing connection to ubi is deeply rooted in the province’s identity, history, and cultural heritage.

For many Boholanos, ubi is more than just a crop—it is considered sacred. Local tradition holds that when a yam accidentally falls to the ground during transport, it should be picked up and kissed as a sign of respect. Failure to do so is believed to bring misfortune.

This reverence is rooted in stories passed down through generations about how ubi helped communities survive periods of drought and hardship.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.

Today, ube is cultivated in the capital Tagbilaran City and all 47 towns of Bohol. /cb