Background
In recent years, the global agarwood industry has witnessed a shift toward sustainable plantation-based production, particularly in Southeast Asia. In the Philippines, one pioneering force behind this transformation is Putz Agarwood Farm Corporation (PAFC), a licensed agarwood plantation developer headquartered in Cavite with a 20-hectare operation in Hamtic, Antique.
PAFC cultivates Aquilaria malaccensis, a tree species listed under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). As such, its activities are strictly regulated by the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to ensure that harvesting and international trade do not threaten the survival of the species.
Challenge
While PAFC had successfully secured a Wildlife Culture Permit (WCuP R-6-2022-001) and established a thriving plantation, it was preparing to enter the international market—specifically the lucrative Middle Eastern agarwood trade. This brought the company face-to-face with the complex process of CITES export compliance, including documentation, scientific validation, and legal acquisition verification.
To move forward, PAFC needed to:
- Prove the legal origin of its Aquilaria planting stock
- Demonstrate the sustainability of its resin induction protocols
- Navigate the steps required for CITES Export Permit issuance, including Non-Detriment Findings (NDF) and Legal Acquisition Findings (LAF)
The Engagement
In early 2025, a formal consultation was held between CITES/BMB officials and PAFC’s leadership at the BMB Central Office in Quezon City. Representing PAFC were Mr. Norberto Joyel (President) and Mr. Manuelito R. Putong (Technical Consultant)—the latter also serving as President of the Agarwood Growers Association of the Philippines (AGAP).
The discussion focused on:
- Traceability of planting materials: PAFC showcased its digital recordkeeping and geo-tagged inventory of Aquilaria trees, all propagated from registered mother trees.
- Scientific resin induction: PAFC detailed its use of advanced BarIno™ inoculants, such as ResinRush™ (FeCl₃ + NaCl) and FusaTrinity™ (Fusarium oxysporum + MnO₂). These formulations induce resin production through controlled stress mechanisms without damaging tree vitality.
- Trade intentions: PAFC declared its intent to export agarwood chips, confirming its understanding of the need for CITES documentation, third-party inspection, and sustainability reporting.
The Outcome
BMB commended PAFC’s efforts to modernize and legalize agarwood production, particularly its alignment with science-based practices and national conservation goals. CITES representatives committed to supporting PAFC through:
- On-site verification of resin-harvested trees prior to export
- Technical guidance for preparing Non-Detriment Findings and LAF submissions
- Coordination with DENR Region VI to streamline documentation and regulatory reviews
PAFC, in turn, pledged to submit its inoculation SOPs, sustainability monitoring report, and plantation audit data to the BMB’s Agarwood Registry.
Impact
This successful consultation solidified PAFC’s reputation as a model plantation developer—combining business acumen, environmental stewardship, and regulatory transparency. It also strengthened the collaboration between government regulators and private sector innovators in establishing a viable, legal agarwood export pathway for the Philippines.
Key Takeaways
- ✅ Legal compliance and scientific validation are essential for CITES-listed species trade.
- ✅ Traceability, documentation, and transparency are non-negotiables for export clearance.
- ✅ Partnerships with regulators, researchers, and cooperatives are critical for scaling impact.