TACLOBAN CITY — Riding on the increasing global demand for Philippine ube, Northern Samar is positioning itself as a key agricultural contributor for root crops.

Provincial Agriculturist Dr. Jose Luis Acompanado, head of the provincial Food Security and Sustainable Economic Development Office, said Northern Samar produces more than 40,000 metric tons of root crops annually, supporting food security while creating livelihood opportunities for micro and small enterprises.

The Department of Trade and Industry Export Marketing Bureau reported $3.06 million in exports in 2025 for ube powder, puree, halaya, and flavor extracts, which are used as premium natural food colorants and dessert ingredients in markets including the United States, the Middle East, the United Kingdom, and Italy.

Acompanado said the province’s root crop production indicates strong capacity to cultivate ube, sweet potato, and cassava, reinforcing Northern Samar’s potential to participate more actively in the expanding high-value market for ube and other root crop-based products.

He added that Northern Samar is well-suited for root crop farming due to favorable soil conditions and a climate that supports stable crop growth throughout the year.

Sweet potato, locally known as camote, accounts for the largest share of total production, serving as a reliable food source and income stream for farming communities.

Cassava, or kamoteng kahoy, also remains a major agricultural output. It is widely used for food and local processing, supporting household consumption as well as small-scale enterprises that depend on root crops for value-added products.