1️⃣ Introduction to Agarwood
- Agarwood, also known as “oud”, is a highly valuable fragrant resin produced by Aquilaria species.
- It is used in perfumery, incense, traditional medicine, and luxury goods.
- The Philippines is home to both native and endemic Aquilaria species, making it a potential key player in the global Agarwood industry.
2️⃣ Philippine Agarwood Species
- Native Indigenous Species (DAO 2017-11):
- Aquilaria brachyantha – Binukat
- Aquilaria cumingiana – Butlo
- Aquilaria filaria – Lapisan (Lapnisan)
- Aquilaria malaccensis – Bari (Endangered, listed under CITES)
- Native Endemic Species:
- Aquilaria apiculata – Mangod
- Aquilaria citrinicarpa – Agododan
- Aquilaria parvifolia – Butlong Liitan
- Aquilaria urdanetensis – Makolan
3️⃣ Market Demand & Economic Potential
- The global Agarwood market is projected to reach billions of dollars due to its high demand in:
✅ Luxury perfumes (Oud oil)
✅ Traditional medicine & wellness
✅ Religious & cultural rituals
✅ High-end jewelry (beads, carvings) - The Philippines can capitalize on its natural Agarwood resources through:
✅ Sustainable plantation farming
✅ Advanced resin induction techniques
✅ Scientific research & quality control
✅ Export & trade partnerships
4️⃣ Industry Challenges & Sustainability Concerns
- Illegal poaching & deforestation – Unregulated harvesting threatens wild Agarwood populations.
- Strict regulations & CITES protection – Permits and compliance are needed for legal trade.
- Need for advanced propagation techniques – Organogenesis and tissue culture can boost supply.
- Market awareness & industry support – Farmers, investors, and government collaboration are crucial.
5️⃣ Key Government & Institutional Support
- Department of Environment & Natural Resources (DENR) – Regulation, conservation, and permits
- Department of Trade & Industry (DTI) – Market expansion, export promotion, and trade fairs
- Department of Agriculture (DA) – Support for farmers, financial assistance, and training
- Department of Science & Technology (DOST) – R&D, innovation, and technology transfer
- Universities (CvSU, DLSU, CLSU) – Research on cultivation, extraction, and product development
6️⃣ The Future of the Philippine Agarwood Industry
- Expansion of commercial plantations with sustainable resin inducement techniques.
- Strengthening investment & foreign trade partnerships for value-added processing (CO₂ extraction, perfumery).
- Development of a traceability system to ensure ethical sourcing and legal trade.
- Government-backed initiatives for policy reform and industry development.
- Integration of Agarwood into pharmaceutical & wellness industries.