In a bid to revolutionize the ube industry, the Visayas State University–Technology Business Incubator (VSU-TBI) recently hosted a transformative workshop on ‘Value-Adding Techniques for Ube Paste Production.’ The hands-on program at the PhilRootcrops Processing Facility equipped local producers and cooperatives with cutting-edge skills to elevate raw ube into premium, shelf-stable products.

Under the expert guidance of Mary Rose M. Maniego and Analine L. Legua, the training offered invaluable insights into the entire production chain. Participants mastered ube paste processing techniques, food safety protocols, sanitation standards, and strategies for quality enhancement, innovative packaging, and shelf-life extension. They also learned essential business tools like basic costing, competitive pricing, and effective marketing to ensure commercial viability.

The workshop emphasized value-adding technologies, tackling challenges such as inefficient processing and limited market access in the ube industry. Attendees practiced transforming fresh ube roots into smooth, high-quality paste suitable for cakes, jams, ice cream, and snacks. Critical focus areas included minimizing post-harvest losses through efficient peeling, grinding, and preservation methods, which can reduce waste by up to 30% while boosting product value.

Food safety took center stage, with demonstrations on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP), and sanitation to meet regulatory standards. Packaging innovations featured vacuum-sealing and retort pouches to extend shelf life beyond six months without refrigeration, opening doors to export markets and urban retail.

By imparting these skills, the training empowers smallholder farmers and cooperatives, offering them a lifeline to sustainable enterprise development and economic stability. Ube paste commands premium prices often 3-5 times higher than raw tubers – creating new revenue streams and stabilizing incomes in rural communities. Organizers highlighted how such initiatives align with national goals for food security and poverty reduction, turning abundant local crops into high-demand goods.

Building on VSU’s ongoing RAISE Program efforts, including the recent RTCMS mentorship series, this event serves as a crucial link between laboratory innovations and grassroots enterprises. Partner institutions reaffirmed their pledge to empower Eastern Visayas’ agri-sector, fostering resilience against market volatility and climate challenges.

Photos from the event capture the energy: participants in protective gear grinding ube batches, testing paste consistency, and brainstorming labels during the marketing module. The collaboration exemplifies how public-private-academic partnerships drive inclusive growth, with VSU-TBI positioned as a hub for scalable agri-tech solutions.