Invitation for Academic–Industry Collaboration
Development of an Agarwood (Aquilaria spp.) Plantation at Central Luzon State University (CLSU)
Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, Philippines
1. Background and Rationale
Agarwood (Aquilaria spp.) is one of the world’s most valuable forest products, widely used in fine perfumery, incense, traditional medicine, and high-value wellness products. With increasing global demand and growing emphasis on sustainable, plantation-based sources, agarwood represents a strategic opportunity for Philippine academic institutions to lead in research, innovation, and climate-smart agroforestry.
Central Luzon State University (CLSU), as a premier institution in agriculture, forestry, and life sciences, is uniquely positioned to serve as a national hub for agarwood research, plantation development, and technology validation. An on-campus agarwood plantation will function as a living laboratory for instruction, research, extension, and industry engagement, while contributing to reforestation, biodiversity enhancement, and ESG-aligned land use.
This concept note proposes an academic–industry collaboration between CLSU and private-sector partners engaged in agarwood science, plantation development, and downstream processing.
2. Objectives
General Objective
To establish a sustainable agarwood plantation within the CLSU campus that integrates research, instruction, extension, and industry collaboration.
Specific Objectives
- Establish a pilot agarwood plantation (Aquilaria spp.) within CLSU-designated land.
- Serve as a research platform for propagation, nursery management, inoculation, and resin formation studies.
- Support undergraduate and graduate instruction in forestry, agriculture, biotechnology, and environmental sciences.
- Generate extension and training opportunities for farmers, LGUs, and other SUCs.
- Lay the foundation for future value-chain activities such as essential oil extraction, product development, and ESG/carbon projects.
3. Scope of Collaboration
The collaboration may cover the following areas:
- Plantation Establishment: Site assessment, land preparation, planting design, and maintenance protocols.
- Research & Development:
- Species and provenance trials
- Nursery and clonal propagation studies
- Inoculation and resin induction technologies
- Soil health, microbial ecology, and nutrient management
- Instruction & Training:
- Integration into relevant courses and practicum programs
- Thesis and dissertation research opportunities
- Extension & Outreach:
- Farmer trainings and technology demonstrations
- Policy and industry engagement
- Sustainability & ESG:
- Carbon sequestration and nature-based solutions
- Biodiversity enhancement and land restoration metrics
4. Roles and Responsibilities (Indicative)
Central Luzon State University
- Identify and allocate suitable land within the campus.
- Provide academic oversight through relevant colleges and research units.
- Facilitate research approvals, student involvement, and extension activities.
Industry Partner(s)
- Provide technical expertise in agarwood cultivation and plantation management.
- Supply planting materials, protocols, and capacity-building support.
- Co-develop research projects, training modules, and potential commercialization pathways.
5. Expected Outputs and Outcomes
- Established agarwood pilot plantation at CLSU.
- Research data and publications on agarwood cultivation under Central Luzon conditions.
- Trained students, faculty, and extension stakeholders.
- Strengthened university–industry linkages.
- Contribution to sustainable forestry, climate action, and rural development.
6. Sustainability and Future Directions
The pilot plantation is envisioned as a long-term asset of CLSU, expandable into:
- A Center of Excellence for Agarwood and High-Value Tree Crops
- A training hub for SUCs, LGUs, and private landowners
- A platform for carbon, ESG, and nature-based solution projects
- Future downstream processing and innovation initiatives
7. Next Steps
- Formal endorsement and consultation with CLSU administration
- Site identification and joint technical assessment
- Drafting and execution of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
- Detailed work plan and implementation schedule
Submitted as a concept note to explore potential collaboration between Central Luzon State University and industry partners for sustainable agarwood development.