US awards $34.1M to boost Philippine ube industry

The project helps Filipino growers expand their reach and profit from growing international demand for ube.

The United States government has awarded $34.1 million, or approximately ₱2 billion, to support the development of the Philippine ube industry, in a major initiative expected to benefit thousands of Filipino farmers.

U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Lipton announced that the funding, provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through its Food for Progress Program, will strengthen the production and supply chain of ube, or purple yam, an increasingly sought-after ingredient in international food and beverage markets.

The five-year project will be implemented by TechnoServe, an international nonprofit organization focused on improving agricultural productivity and creating economic opportunities.

According to the U.S. Embassy, approximately 12,500 Filipino ube farmers are expected to benefit from the initiative, which aims to develop the crop’s value chain and strengthen its potential as an agricultural export.

Ube has gained international popularity as an ingredient in desserts, pastries, beverages, and other food products, particularly in the United States, where its distinctive purple color and flavor have attracted growing consumer interest.

Interestingly, the project will be financed through the sale of nearly 40,000 metric tons of U.S. soybean meal under the Food for Progress Program, which uses proceeds from agricultural commodity sales to support economic and agricultural development in partner countries.

The initiative comes as the Philippines and the United States commemorate the 80th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2026.

“This award will further strengthen the U.S.-Philippines diplomatic and economic partnership,” Lipton said.

The investment represents a significant opportunity for Filipino ube growers to participate in a more developed agricultural supply chain and potentially benefit from expanding international demand for the distinctly Filipino crop.

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