Featured Article-Agarwood’s multimillion-peso potential and role in biodiversity restoration (MB Agriculture)

_{Below is the transcript summary of the Manila Bulletin Agriculture article written by Pam Pascual posted last Feb 17, 2026}

Agarwood: A Multimillion-Peso Opportunity for Biodiversity and Investment

Agarwood, often referred to as "liquid gold," is emerging as a promising investment opportunity in the Philippines, with its potential to generate significant revenue while contributing to biodiversity restoration. As highlighted by Dr. Ephraim Cercado, an advocate for sustainable agroforestry and president of Dendrotonics Corporation, the financial and environmental prospects of agarwood cultivation are immense.

A Vision for Financial Freedom

Dr. Cercado, who transitioned from a successful career in surgery to agroforestry, believes that agarwood can empower Filipinos to achieve financial freedom. He emphasizes that agarwood stands out as a viable long-term investment due to its multi-faceted uses and high market demand.

"Through planting agarwood, Filipinos can become multimillionaires and achieve financial freedom earlier in life," says Cercado.

At Dendrotonics, their innovative Perpetual Harvest Technology allows for sustainable harvesting every year after the initial three-year growth period. This approach not only ensures a continuous income stream but also maintains the health of the trees for decades to come.

Understanding Agarwood's Market Demand

The market for agarwood is robust, driven by its applications in incense and perfumery. Widely used in cultural and religious practices, particularly among Muslims and in Asian cultures, agarwood is highly valued, with some varieties fetching as much as ₱3 million per kilo in the Middle East.

Cercado emphasizes the importance of this high demand: “Any perfume that contains agarwood belongs to the most expensive line of perfumes." Dendrotonics has taken steps to capitalize on this market, exporting Philippine agarwood as it gains recognition internationally.

Environmental Benefits Beyond Profit

Agarwood cultivation offers significant environmental benefits that extend beyond financial gain. By integrating agarwood into reforestation efforts, Dendrotonics addresses the need for sustainable land management while enhancing biodiversity.

"We understand that the only truly successful reforestation is one that generates income," explains Cercado.

Intercropping agarwood with native species fosters a diverse ecosystem that supports local wildlife and improves soil health. By restoring tree cover, agarwood cultivation also plays a critical role in groundwater regeneration, combating soil erosion, and mitigating the effects of climate change.

Best Practices for Agarwood Cultivation

For those interested in investing in agarwood, Dr. Cercado stresses the importance of legal compliance and proper knowledge. Potential farmers must adhere to regulations set by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and understand the best planting practices to ensure a successful yield.

Key considerations include:

• Timing: Avoid planting during the summer months to prevent water stress.
• Land Security: Ensure clear land tenure to prevent disputes.
• Discretion: Given the high value of agarwood, maintaining a low profile is essential to safeguard investments against theft.

With thoughtful planning and proper management, an initial investment of ₱3 million can yield returns upwards of ₱40 million within five years.

Conclusion

Agarwood cultivation represents a unique intersection of economic opportunity and environmental stewardship. Under the leadership of visionary advocates like Dr. Ephraim Cercado, Dendrotonics Corporation is paving the way for sustainable development in the Philippines. By embracing agarwood, we not only invest in a lucrative future but also contribute to the restoration and preservation of our planet's biodiversity.