Bohol wants to preserve its link to ‘ubi kinampay’

HERITAGE CROP: Bohol is securing geographical indication protection for its famed “ubi kinampay,” a step aimed at preserving the authenticity, heritage, and global reputation of the province’s purpleyam while creating more opportunities for local farmers and producers. —Leo Udtohan | Inquirer Visayas

TAGBILARAN CITY, BOHOL, Philippines — The Bohol provincial government has applied for geographical indication (GI) protection for “ubi kinampay,” the province’s iconic purple yam variety, in a move aimed at preserving its authenticity, cultural heritage and economic value.

Led by Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado, the provincial government through the Bohol Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office (Bedipo), filed the application with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines. GI protection is a form of intellectual property that identifies products whose qualities, characteristics, or reputation are closely associated with a specific geographic origin.

The province’s initiative seeks to protect ubi kinampay, widely regarded as the “queen of Philippine yams,” from misuse and misleading claims while strengthening its identity as a product uniquely linked to Bohol.

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