Bohol Ubi Kinampay files for geographical indication mark

THE Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) said it received an application to register Bohol Ubi Kinampay for a geographical indication (GI) mark, with the label expected to protect Bohol ube producers amid growing global demand for the root crop.

In a statement on Wednesday, IPOPHL said it received the application from Bohol province through the Bohol Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office.

Ubi Kinampay is reputed to be the “queen of Philippine yams.”

Exports of ube and ube-based products hit $3.06 million in 2025, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said in May.

“The world is now in the middle of a ‘purple gold rush,’ and GI protection can help the Philippines stake its claim in the growing global demand by strengthening its market identity and position,” IPOPHL Director General Teodoro C. Pascua was quoted as saying.

GI protection could help shield the product from false origin claims and the unauthorized use of its name, IPOPHL said.

Likewise, GI-labeled products help protect producers from exploitation by large firms while promoting fair prices.

Products with a GI mark can also help sustain jobs and preserve traditional and organic farming practices in the province, IPOPHL said.

To date, the Philippines has four registered GIs — Guimaras Mangoes, Aklan Piña, Alburquerque Asin Tibuok and Tau Sebu T’nalak. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz