Purple Yam of Dauis Bohol

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Dauis, a municipality located in the province of Bohol, has gained recognition for its thriving ubi kinampay farming.

Ubi kinampay, also known as purple yam or Dioscorea alata, is a unique variety of yam distinguished by its vibrant purple flesh and slightly sweet flavor.

In Dauis, local farmers have harnessed the natural advantages of the region to cultivate this prized crop. Let's explore the specifics of ubi kinampay farming in Dauis, Bohol.

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Locally known as “UBI KINAMPAY”, this purple yam is commercially grown in the municipality and processed to serve as an ingredient and food additive in cooking sweets and deserts.

Finished products are Ubi Powder, Ubi Jam, Ubi Pastilles and more.

One Town One Product

OTOP (One Town One Product) Philippines is a priority program of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to promote entrepreneurship and create jobs in each city and municipality of the Philippines.

OTOP Philippines supports micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to manufacture, offer and market distinctive products or services through the use of indigenous raw materials and local skills and talents.

Ubi Kinampay

Ubi Kinampay has been a staple crop of the people of Dauis since time immemorial. It is an alternate crop for corn and legumes.

Surprisingly, the tuber thrives in the town’s rocky and sandy soil and helped much towards the people’s survival especially during long droughts.

Ubi, in the past, is more often treated as a vegetable or as an ingredient in a local sweet delicacy which Boholanos call “binignit” – a concoction of sweet potato (kamote), saba banana, landang (processed from the “boli” palm to serve as thickener), and coconut milk.

The Ubi Kinampay, aside from adding bulk, gives the binignit its aroma and unique color.

Ubi Farming to Answer Demand

Demand for the Ubi is steadily growing. People have found ways and means to process it into paste and powder which is now being used as a special ingredient in ice cream, cakes, breads and other pastries. It is also made into jam, pastilles, and polvoron.

The people of Dauis are now engaged seriously in Ubi farming with the help of the LGU (Local Government Unit) of the municipality and other government national agencies. In fact, the municipality is a major site for the Ubi Planting Project of the government.

With the government’s support, the farmers are now enjoying profits from Ubi farming on top of their other sources of income. Newly harvested yams are bought by the Mayacabac Women’s Association in the town giving the farmers an easy outlet for their products and thus quick income.

Ready for Export

The processing of Purple Yam into powder is a new endeavor in the town and is still being improved upon with the help of the Department of Agriculture.

Pending perfection in the production process, Ubi powder and its by-products are sold only locally. Bulk orders goes to local food processing companies.

However, there is great potential for the product in the global market. Demand for Ubi puree, powder, dried chips, cubes in syrup, ice cream and other forms is increasing.

Thus it is tagged as one of the Philippines’ five banner crops for export by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Ideal Growing Conditions:

Dauis boasts an optimal combination of climate, soil, and geographical factors that contribute to the successful cultivation of Purple Yam or ubi kinampay.

The region's tropical climate, characterized by warm temperatures and ample rainfall, provides the necessary conditions for the yam's growth.

Additionally, Dauis is blessed with fertile soil rich in organic matter, which promotes the development of healthy and robust ubi kinampay tubers.

Cultivation Techniques:

Local farmers in Dauis employ traditional farming techniques alongside modern agricultural practices to ensure the optimal growth and yield of Purple Yam ubi kinampay. Some of these techniques include:

1. Land Preparation: Prior to planting, the land is prepared by clearing vegetation, tilling the soil, and removing any obstacles or debris. This process creates a clean and fertile ground for planting the ubi kinampay tubers.

2. Planting: Ubi kinampay is propagated through tubers, which are planted in well-prepared soil at a specific depth and spacing. Farmers ensure that the planting process is done meticulously to promote optimal growth and prevent overcrowding.

3. Irrigation and Drainage: Adequate irrigation and drainage systems are implemented to provide the ubi kinampay plants with the right amount of moisture while preventing waterlogging. This balance is essential for healthy growth and disease prevention.

4. Weed and Pest Management: Farmers employ various methods, including manual weeding and the use of organic pesticides, to control weeds and manage pests that can potentially affect the crop's health and yield.

5. Harvesting: Ubi kinampay is typically harvested around 8 to 12 months after planting, depending on the desired tuber size. Farmers carefully dig out the tubers, ensuring minimal damage and preserving their quality. The harvested ubi kinampay is then prepared for distribution or further processing.

Economic Significance of Purple Yam

Ubi kinampay farming has not only contributed to the agricultural diversity of Dauis but has also become an important source of livelihood for local farmers.

The cultivation and sale of Purple Yam provide income opportunities, stimulate economic growth, and support the sustainable development of the community.

Local Cuisine and Products:

Dauis' ubi kinampay has also made its way into the local cuisine and food industry. The vibrant purple tubers are used to create a variety of delectable dishes, snacks, and desserts, showcasing the unique flavors and versatility of the yam.

Purple Yam-based products such as jams, candies, pastries, and chips have gained popularity among locals and visitors alike, serving as delicious souvenirs and culinary delights.

Ubi Kinampay is the Future

Purple Yam farming in Dauis, Bohol, has flourished due to the region's favorable growing conditions and the dedication of local farmers. Through their expertise and commitment, Dauis has established itself as a hub for the cultivation of this prized variety of purple yam.

The success of ubi kinampay farming not only contributes to the local economy but also allows for the preservation and promotion of this unique agricultural heritage.

So, if you have the opportunity to visit Dauis, don't miss the chance to savor the flavors of ubi kinampay and explore the rich culinary traditions

About Dauis

Dauis is one of the two municipalities comprising Panglao Island, the other being Panglao.

Bohol Dauis Hotels and Resorts Pension Houses, Inns and other establishments offering room accommodations are only few in comparison to those found at Alona Beach yet their clientele have grown.

Dauis Church occupies a strip of land on the shore of Panglao Island opposite Tagbilaran City. One of the most beautiful churches of Bohol, one gets an excellent view of the church and convento from the Mansasa seaside as one travels from Tagbilaran to Baclayon.

Bohol's Ubi Kinampay One of Bohols special food crops; Bohol is the largest producer of UBI in the Philippines where it is revered and considered as SACRED and included in the Bohol Hymn!

Check out These Other Bohol Delicacies

  1. Bohol Delicacies
  2. Pastries of Baclayon
  3. Purple Yam of Dauis Bohol
  4. Bohol Purple Yam Ubi Kinampay
  5. Bohol's Ubi Festival
  6. Filipino Cuisine- Bohol-Philippines
  7. Culinary Gem - Alona Beach, Panglao Island
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  11. Calamay- Bohol's Must-Have Treat
  12. Bohol Shopping Souvenirs: Where to Buy the Best Gifts and Treasures
  13. Bohol Ube or Purple Yam
  14. Bohol Freshwater Fish


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