The Agarwood industry in the Philippines has a unique opportunity to thrive through the power of strategic partnerships and collaborations. By working with key stakeholders, including government agencies, academic institutions, and industry leaders, we aim to create a robust, sustainable, and economically viable Agarwood sector.
Key Collaborations Include:
- Government Partnerships:
- Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR): Partnering with DENR to ensure environmental protection and compliance with regulations through initiatives such as the Wildlife Culture Permit (WCuP) and sustainable land management practices.
- Department of Science and Technology (DOST): Collaborating with DOST to foster innovation and implement cutting-edge research, particularly in the technology transfer of Agarwood production techniques, such as artificial resin inducement.
- Department of Agriculture (DA): Working together to provide training, financial support, and market access for local farmers engaged in Agarwood production, helping them shift towards more sustainable, profitable farming practices.
- Department of Trade and Industry (DTI): Working on market Expansion & Trade Assistance (Export facilitation, Trade fairs, Global marketing).
- Academic Collaborations:
- De La Salle University (DLSU) and Cavite State University (CvSU) R4A: Leveraging the expertise of leading universities to develop scientifically-backed techniques for Agarwood cultivation, resin extraction, and quality standards.
- Other Academic Institutions: Expanding the collaboration network with universities such as Central Luzon State University (CLSU) R3, Isabela State University (ISU) R2, Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISaTU) R6, and Visayas State University (VSU) R8 to drive research, innovation, and hands-on training for farmers entering the Agarwood industry.
- Private Sector & Industry Partnerships:
- Agarwood Growers Association of the Philippines (AGAP): By fostering partnerships with AGAP, we aim to bring together local growers and cooperatives to create a unified approach to production, training, and export standards.
- Trade Partnerships: Engaging with international markets such as Dubai, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain for the export of high-quality Agarwood chips. Collaborating with local exporters to streamline access to these markets and ensure that Filipino Agarwood is competitive and highly valued internationally.
- Innovation and Technology Transfer:
- DOST-FPRDI: Working with the Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI) to transfer advanced technologies related to Agarwood inoculation and resin extraction processes.
- Spin-off Companies: Exploring the creation of spin-off companies to handle the commercialization of research-driven technologies, ensuring faster adoption and wider reach across the industry.
- Environmental Stewardship and Community Involvement:
- Agroforestry Models: Promoting sustainable agroforestry practices that integrate Agarwood production with biodiversity conservation, land rehabilitation, and climate change resilience.
- Rural Development Initiatives: Empowering rural communities by providing them with sustainable livelihoods through Agarwood farming, creating a circular economy where both economic growth and environmental protection go hand-in-hand.
Strategic Vision:
Our vision is to create a thriving Agarwood industry that not only drives economic growth and export opportunities but also ensures sustainability and environmental responsibility. Through these collaborations, we aim to:
- Elevate the quality and marketability of Filipino Agarwood on the global stage.
- Foster community empowerment, offering new economic opportunities for local farmers.
- Ensure the long-term viability of the Agarwood industry by emphasizing sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and climate change resilience.
By forming strong, mutually beneficial collaborations with key stakeholders in research, industry, government, and community development, we are laying the foundation for a successful, sustainable Agarwood industry in the Philippines.
We are excited to invite stakeholders to join us in this transformative journey, where innovation meets tradition to create lasting positive change for the environment, the economy, and the people.