Tanza, Cavite, Philippines — De La Salle University (DLSU), one of the country’s most respected research institutions in chemistry, biology, and biotechnology, has entered into a strategic collaboration with the Agarwood Growers Association of the Philippines Inc. (AGAP) to develop advanced biochemical inoculants for the Agarwood Demonstration Farm of Aetherial Natural Oils Corp. (ANOC) located in Tanza, Cavite.
This groundbreaking partnership aims to accelerate scientific innovation in agarwood resin induction, strengthen the Philippines’ agarwood research ecosystem, and elevate the country’s emerging perfumery and botanicals sector.
Cutting-Edge Biochemical Inoculant Development for Agarwood
Under the collaboration, DLSU’s research teams will work closely with AGAP technical experts to formulate, test, and refine next-generation biochemical inoculants designed to stimulate sustainable, efficient, and high-quality resin formation in Aquilaria malaccensis and related species.
The research will focus on:
• Advanced biochemical triggers and enzyme-assisted induction
• Optimized metabolic stimulants for controlled resin biosynthesis
• Comparison of biological, chemical, and hybrid induction pathways
• Safety, efficacy, and environmental impact assessment
• Field performance validation in diverse agroforestry settings
“These innovations will directly support the Philippines’ move toward science-based, globally competitive agarwood production,” said AGAP representatives.
Aetherial Natural Oils Corp. Demo Farm as a Living Research Laboratory
Aetherial Natural Oils Corp. (ANOC), through its Agarwood Demo Farm in Tanza, Cavite, will serve as the official pilot site for field trials, inoculation testing, environmental monitoring, and biochemical performance studies.
The Demo Farm provides:
✓ A controlled plantation environment with varying tree ages and growth conditions
✓ Systematic inoculation testing blocks for comparative research
✓ Long-term monitoring infrastructure for resin development
✓ An educational platform for farmer training, demonstrations, and community outreach
“This collaboration strengthens our mission of developing premium, ethically sourced essential oils while contributing to national biotech research,” said representatives from ANOC.
Strengthening the Philippine Agarwood Industry Through Science
The DLSU–AGAP–ANOC partnership underscores a shared vision for a sustainable, regulated, and scientifically empowered agarwood sector in the Philippines.
Key expected outcomes include:
✓ Scientifically validated inoculant formulations
✓ Improved resin yield and quality for growers
✓ Elevated Philippine competitiveness in the high-value fragrance market
✓ Capacity-building for farmers, cooperatives, and future agripreneurs
✓ Research publications and patents to advance national biotechnology
About DLSU
De La Salle University is a leading institution in research, innovation, and scientific excellence, with high-impact studies in chemistry, biology, environmental science, and bioprocess technologies.
About AGAP
The Agarwood Growers Association of the Philippines Inc. promotes sustainable agarwood cultivation, farmer training, regulatory compliance, and industry development across the country.
About Aetherial Natural Oils Corp. (ANOC)
ANOC specializes in artisan perfume blends, essential oils, and botanical extracts sourced from sustainably cultivated perfumery crops. Its Agarwood Demo Farm serves as a research, training, and innovation hub.