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, BusinessWorld reported.

A GI mark certifies that a product originates from a specific region and possesses qualities or a reputation attributable to that origin. For Bohol Ubi Kinampay, a variety of purple yam known for its distinctive taste and texture, the registration would help prevent misuse of the name and ensure that only producers from Bohol can label their product as such.

The application comes as global interest in ube, or purple yam, surges, driven by its use in desserts and food products. IPOPHL noted that GI registration can boost local economies by enhancing market recognition and allowing producers to command premium prices.