Navigating Agarwood Cultivation in the Philippines: Is Agarwood Farming Legal?

Howdy, future agarpreneurs! As you embark on your exciting journey into agarwood farming, it’s natural to have questions about navigating the complexities involved in this new venture. One pressing concern for many potential investors and landowners is: Is agarwood legal to cultivate in the Philippines? The short answer is yes! Let’s explore the details.

Understanding RA 9147: An Act Providing for the Conservation and Protection of Wildlife Resources

Agarwood, derived from the Aquilaria tree, is legal to cultivate; however, significant regulatory hurdles exist. In the Philippines, agarwood cultivation and trade are governed by Republic Act 9147, also known as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act. This crucial legislation aims to safeguard and preserve all wildlife species and their habitats through regulation, conservation programs, and enforcement. It prohibits the killing, collecting, trading, or harming of wildlife without proper permits and establishes rules for scientific research, bioprospecting, and captive breeding to promote sustainable practices.

The Aquilaria tree species are classified as threatened and endangered under Republic Act No. 9147 due to illegal harvesting and high global demand for the agarwood resin they produce. The specific threat classifications include:

• Endangered: Aquilaria malaccensis (locally known as Lapnisan)
• Vulnerable or Threatened:
  • Aquilaria brachyantha
  • Aquilaria cumingiana
  • Aquilaria hirta
  • Aquilaria microcarpa
  • Aquilaria filaria
  • Aquilaria subintegra
  • Aquilaria crassna

These trees are also protected under international agreements like CITES, or the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) rigorously enforces these protections, meaning that establishing your agarwood business requires the appropriate permits and documentation. Harvesting, collecting, possessing, or trading Aquilaria trees or their byproducts (agarwood) without the necessary permits is strictly prohibited and carries heavy penalties.

Dendrotonics Corporation is proud to fully comply with RA 9147 and actively strengthens and advocates its implementation by reforesting farmlands with Aquilaria species. The company also intercrops other native Philippine trees alongside Aquilaria varieties, fostering biodiversity and enhancing the ecosystem.

Legalities to Consider

To operate your agarwood enterprise smoothly, follow this "Stay Out of Jail" basic checklist:

1. Legal Sourcing: Ensure that your seedlings are sourced from a legally registered nursery. Keep detailed records of all purchases and receipts.
2. Wildlife Culture Permit (WCuP): This essential permit allows you to legally cultivate and trade agarwood. To obtain it, you will need an approved Agarwood Propagation Plan from the Regional Wildlife Management Committee, followed by an inspection of your proposed site.
3. Local Transport Permit: If you intend to transport legally acquired seeds, seedlings, or harvested wood, obtaining a Local Transport Permit is crucial to avoiding penalties.
4. CITES Permits: If you plan to import specific seeds or export your agarwood products, ensure you have the appropriate CITES documentation.

For more detailed information on these permits, you may reach out to info@dendrotonics.com for consultancy.

Disclaimer: This checklist serves as a general guide and is not an exhaustive summary of all the necessary permits you might need for agarwood farming.

Hope on the Horizon

While navigating current regulations may seem daunting, there is a silver lining. Lawmakers are advocating for House Bill 10320, also known as the Agarwood Industry Development Act. This bill aims to differentiate between wild and farmed agarwood, creating a more supportive framework for farmers. It seeks to streamline the registration process and provide vital training, fostering a robust agarwood industry.

Join the Agarwood Movement: The Philippine Agarwood Industry Coalition

The Philippine Agarwood Industry Coalition (PAIC) was formally established on January 17, 2026, bringing together more than 20 agroforestry companies across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao to strengthen and safeguard the country’s growing agarwood sector. Industry leaders gathered in Cebu to align on a shared vision for sustainable agarwood cultivation. Dr. Ephraim Cercado of Dendrotonics emphasized the gap between how the Philippines is 25 years behind other countries in agarwood cultivation and legislation, and the power of collective effort to advance the local agarwood industry. The coalition marks a unified push toward responsible development and long-term growth for the Philippine agarwood sector.

Notably, unlike other agarwood farmers who harvest agarwood by destroying the tree and replanting new ones post-harvest, Dendrotonics advocates and showcases its perpetual harvesting technology, encouraging existing and new agarwood farmers to adopt the sustainable practice. This innovative and sustainable approach allows farmers to harvest agarwood without destroying any endangered or vulnerable Aquilaria tree species, while simultaneously generating sustainable revenue through agarwood and also value-added income and products from intercropped plants and trees.

Conclusion: Yes, You Can Start Your Agarwood Business!

In conclusion, starting an agarwood business in the Philippines is indeed legal—as long as you adhere to the necessary DENR regulations and obtain the required permits. This commitment demands patience, effort, and respect for the environment. Rest assured, by complying with the rules, you can cultivate one of the planet's most valuable resources while making a positive contribution to the ecosystem.

So, gather your paperwork, align with the right partnerships, and step confidently into the world of agarwood cultivation. Happy planting, and may your resin run rich!

References

• Republic Act No. 9147. (2001). An Act Providing for the Conservation and Protection of Wildlife Resources. Retrieved from https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2001/07/30/republic-act-no-9147/
• CITES. (n.d.). Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. Retrieved from https://www.cites.org/
• House Bill 10320. (2021). Agarwood Industry Development Act. Retrieved from https://manilastandard.net/?p=314449840