The Philippine government has temporarily banned the export of fresh purple yam, locally known as ube, to secure the country’s supply of planting materials amid surging domestic and international demand for the prized crop.

The Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) issued a directive in mid-August immediately halting all outbound shipments of fresh ube until further notice.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. explained the rationale behind the suspension to the Business Mirror, stating that the government needs to secure the crop’s genetic resources.

“Layunin ng ban na maiwasang maubos ang planting materials ng Pilipinas. Gayundin upang maprotektahan ang bansa laban sa posibleng pagkuha ng mga ito ng ibang bansa para gamitin sa kanilang sariling produksyon,” Tiu Laurel said.

The export suspension strictly covers both fresh ube and its propagative planting materials, regardless of whether they are intended for consumption, commercial cultivation, or research purposes.

Consequently, the BPI has directed all its Plant Quarantine Stations nationwide to immediately cease the issuance of phytosanitary certificates for the said agricultural exports.

[https://politiko.com.ph/2026/09/12/da-suspends-outbound-shipments-of-fresh-ube-and-propagative-crops/politiko-lokal/](https://politiko.com.ph/2026/09/12/da-suspends-outbound-shipments-of-fresh-ube-and-propagative-crops/politiko-lokal/)

Department of Agriculture suspends outbound shipments of fresh ube and propagative crops