Creamy ube jam from Bohol’s bountiful harvest of purple yam was highlighted once more in the 24^th Ubi [Ube] Festival 2024 in the Province of Bohol deemed “ube capital” in the country.

The festival features different varieties of yam such as the kinampay, tam-isan, baligonhon, apali, iniling, and kabus-ok.

A kilo was sold at from P70 to P90 during the festivity, way cheaper than yams sold in malls or supermarkets.

According to 65-year-old Estrella Putong, she takes pride in being an ube farmer because of the benefits the nutritious tuber has given to her family.

“Dako og gikatabang ang ubi [ube] sa among halin kay makagasto mi sa  eskwela, makapalit mi sa panginahanglanon sa among pamudjo [pamuyo] ug makabayadbayad pa mi sa among mga obligasyon. Uban pa namong kinahanglanon dako og ikatabang,” Putong said.

A total of 9,268 kilograms of ube were sold during the festival.  

Ubi [ube] is a root crop used as either an alternative to rice or corn grits.

It was also underscored that ubi [ube] is the only root crop specially mentioned in the Bohol Provincial Hymn.

Further, ubi [ube] is also recognized by experts as a type of food with high antioxidants, a rich source of fiber, calcium, iron, vitamins A (retinol) and C (ascorbic acid), among other health benefits. 

(via Leo Udtohan, Albert Aballe/GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak)