TAMPAKAN, SOUTH COTABATO - The Philippine Root Crop Research and Training Center (Philrootcrops) of Visayas State University strengthened its extension efforts through a two-day Training on Ube Production held on August 6-7, 2025, in partnership with the Municipal Agriculture Office of Tampakan.

The training, conducted at the FITS Training Hall, aimed to enhance the capacity of local farmers by increasing their knowledge on ube production, from variety selection and land preparation to post-harvest handling. The program also aimed to create opportunities for farmers to tap into local and international markets.

PhilRootcrops Director Marlon M. Tambis, who served as the resource speaker, underscored ube’s cultural value and potential as a high-value commodity for export. He emphasized the importance of adopting Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and science-based innovations to improve yield and strengthen market positioning.

Meanwhile, Dioscoro Bolatete, PhilRootcrops Senior agriculturist and main lecturer, led the technical sessions and a field demonstration that provided participants with practical skills on site assessment and crop management to ensure high-quality tuber production. 

Following the training, PhilRootcrops showcased its initiatives at the World Food Expo held on August 8-9 at the World Trade Center in Manila. Invited by Mr. Miguel Mejia of the Filipino Ube House, the center engaged with potential market partners to highlight ube production in Eastern Visayas and strengthen farmer-market linkages.

As the country’s national center for rootcrop research and training, Philrootcrops reaffirmed its commitment to advancing rootcrop innovations and promoting sustainable livelihood opportunities for farmers.

This article aligns with Sustainable Development Goals No.: 2 – Zero Hunger, 4 – Quality Education, 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production, 13 – Climate Action, 15 – Life on Land, 17 – Partnerships for the Goals