Academic–Industry Collaboration for the Development of an Agarwood Plantation and Research Demonstration Site
Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU) – North La Union Campus, Bacnotan, La Union
1. Background and Rationale
Agarwood, derived from trees of the genus Aquilaria, is one of the world’s most valuable forest products, widely used in perfumery, incense, traditional medicine, and high-end fragrance industries. With proper scientific management, agarwood represents a high-value, climate-resilient, and export-oriented agroforestry crop suitable for Philippine conditions.
The Philippines possesses favorable agro-climatic conditions for Aquilaria cultivation, yet local research, demonstration plantations, and institutional models remain limited. There is a strategic opportunity for academic institutions to lead in science-based agarwood cultivation, resin induction research, sustainability studies, and farmer extension.
Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU), as a premier state university in Northern Luzon with strong mandates in instruction, research, extension, and production, is well-positioned to host a model agarwood plantation and research demonstration site that integrates academic excellence with industry application.
2. Proposed Collaboration
This concept proposes an Academic–Industry Collaboration between DMMMSU – North La Union Campus and Crown Agarwood Group Inc. for the establishment of an Agarwood Plantation and Living Research Laboratorywithin the Bacnotan campus.
The collaboration aims to bridge academic research, field application, and value-chain development, ensuring that agarwood cultivation is:
- Scientifically grounded
- Environmentally sustainable
- Economically viable
- Aligned with national development and ESG priorities
3. Objectives
General Objective
To establish a model agarwood plantation and research demonstration site at DMMMSU that supports instruction, research, extension, and sustainable agroforestry enterprise development.
Specific Objectives
- Establish a pilot agarwood plantation using suitable Aquilaria species for La Union conditions
- Serve as a living laboratory for students and faculty in agriculture, forestry, biotechnology, and environmental sciences
- Conduct applied research on growth performance, inoculation techniques, resin formation, and sustainability metrics
- Develop training and extension programs for farmers, LGUs, and stakeholders
- Demonstrate agarwood as a high-value, climate-smart agroforestry crop
- Strengthen industry–academe linkage for research commercialization and technology transfer
4. Scope and Key Components
4.1 Plantation Development
- Allocation of a pilot area within DMMMSU–NLUC
- Site assessment and plantation layout design
- Planting of selected Aquilaria species
- Integration with agroforestry or intercrop systems where appropriate
4.2 Research and Innovation
- Species and provenance trials
- Growth and survival monitoring
- Resin induction and inoculation studies
- Soil health, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity indicators
- ESG and sustainability performance documentation
4.3 Instruction and Capacity Building
- Student involvement through thesis, practicum, and internships
- Faculty-led research and publications
- Training modules and short courses on agarwood cultivation and processing
4.4 Extension and Outreach
- Farmer field schools and demonstration activities
- Technology transfer and extension materials
- Engagement with LGUs, farmer groups, and cooperatives
5. Roles and Responsibilities (Indicative)
DMMMSU
- Provide land allocation within campus (subject to approval)
- Academic supervision and research oversight
- Faculty and student participation
- Integration into instruction, research, and extension programs
Crown Agarwood Group Inc.
- Provide planting materials and technical expertise
- Plantation design and management protocols
- Resin induction and production technologies
- Industry linkage and market insights
Specific terms will be finalized through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).
6. Expected Outputs and Outcomes
Academic and Research Outputs
- Established agarwood research plantation
- Student theses, faculty research papers, and extension manuals
- Data on agarwood growth, resin formation, and sustainability
Institutional and Community Outcomes
- Strengthened DMMMSU leadership in high-value forestry crops
- Skilled graduates with exposure to industry-grade systems
- Enhanced farmer awareness and adoption of agarwood agroforestry
Environmental and Economic Impact
- Promotion of sustainable land use and tree-based systems
- Contribution to carbon sequestration and climate resilience
- Long-term income-generating potential for institutional and community models
7. Alignment with National and Institutional Priorities
This initiative aligns with:
- DMMMSU’s mandate on Instruction, Research, Extension, and Production
- National priorities on sustainable agriculture, forestry, and rural development
- ESG, climate action, and nature-based solutions
- Value-chain development for high-value agricultural exports
8. Next Steps
- Initial technical and administrative consultation
- Site visit and feasibility assessment
- Drafting and approval of MOA
- Pilot plantation establishment
- Integration into academic and extension programs
9. Proponent
Crown Agarwood Group Inc.
A Philippine-based agroforestry and biotechnology enterprise focused on sustainable agarwood plantation development, research collaboration, and downstream value-chain integration.
Contact Person:
Manuelito R. Putong
Founder & Managing Director
📧 putzagarwoodfarm@gmail.com
🌐 www.putzagarwoodfarm.com
📞 +63 46 418 9530