Iloilo City, Philippines — Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT-U) and Crown Agroforestry Group Inc. (CAGI) have officially entered a landmark collaboration to advance the Philippines’ position in the global agarwood industry through blockchain-enabled digital traceability and science-driven cultivation technologies.
The partnership unites ISAT-U’s expertise in applied science, information technology, and sustainable innovation with CAGI’s leadership in agroforestry development and high-value crop cultivation. Together, they aim to establish the country’s first integrated system that enhances legal compliance, transparency, and scientific accuracy in agarwood production and trade.
A Breakthrough in Digital Traceability
The collaboration includes the development of a Blockchain Digital Traceability System designed to track the full lifecycle of agarwood — from seed source and nursery propagation to inoculation, harvesting, resin grading, and international trade documentation.
This platform will:
• Strengthen CITES compliance and regulatory monitoring
• Build grower credibility and consumer trust
• Combat illegal trading and smuggling
• Streamline export processes through verifiable digital records
• Support global buyers seeking ethically sourced, legally traded agarwood
“This technology sets a new benchmark for transparency in the forestry and perfumery industries,” said Manuelito R. Putong, Chairman of Crown Agroforestry Group Inc (CAGI), highlighting the system’s importance in elevating Philippine agarwood to international standards.
Advancing Science-Based Agarwood Cultivation
In parallel, ISAT-U will support research and development in modern agarwood cultivation, focusing on:
• Biological and artificial inoculation methods
• Soil and nutrient optimization
• Organogenesis and tissue propagation
• Growth performance modeling
• Sustainability-focused agroforestry system design
CAGI will provide plantations, nurseries, and farmer networks for pilot studies, field trials, and technology deployment. The partnership also includes the creation of a Science-Based Agarwood Cultivation Training Program for local growers, cooperatives, and agripreneurs.
“Our goal is to bring the best of science and technology directly to Filipino farmers,” said Dr. Carmelo V. Ambut, VicePresident for Research and Extension of ISAT-U. “This partnership will empower communities with the tools needed for sustainable, high-value production.”
A Shared Vision for a Sustainable Industry
ISAT-U and CAGI share a common vision: a transparent, legally compliant, and globally competitive agarwood industry built on innovation, environmental stewardship, and community empowerment.
The project aims to:
✓ Position the Philippines as a leader in ethical agarwood production
✓ Strengthen national capacity for biotechnology and agroforestry innovation
✓ Create inclusive opportunities for farmers and local enterprises
✓ Promote sustainability in high-value forest commodities
✓ Enhance the country’s export potential through verified digital systems
About ISAT-U
Iloilo Science and Technology University is a premier institution in Western Visayas recognized for excellence in engineering, information technology, and applied research. ISAT-U plays a vital role in advancing scientific innovation and regional development.
About Crown Agroforestry Group Inc. (CAGI)
CAGI is a leading agroforestry enterprise dedicated to sustainable plantation development, high-value tree farming, biotechnology application, and eco-friendly production systems for agarwood and other perfumery crops.