A laggard, as usual! Agarwood Earns P6-B For Indonesia In 2020

While the Philippines imposes strict restrictions on the exploitation and even the collection of seeds of the Agarwood Tree, Indonesia has already developed plantations with over 3.4-million trees.
In 2020 alone, Indonesian Agarwood exports earned an equivalent of P6-B.
Agarwood which produces a black resin which is the source of the very expensive Oud Perfume grows in the wild in many forests in the Philippines.
The development of the Agarwood Industry, however, had been stunted by very strict forestry laws which prohibits exploitation and even the collection of seeds.
On the other hand, Indonesia, India, Malaysia and Vietnam, among other Asian countries where Agarwood is endemic, have already established an industry which involves the establishment of plantations, processing and exports.
The governments of these countries are leading the development of this very lucrative industry while in the Philippines, it is the private sector which, in spite of the restrictions imposed by the government, perseveres in developing the Agarwood Industry.
Agarwood, just like the Bamboo, is a potential dollar earner which could also generate jobs and address rural poverty if government comes up with a well-designed development program.
In fact, along with the Bamboo Industry, a government supported Agarwood Industry could help pay off the P14.1-Trillion national debt.
The vast military reservations could serve as sites of Agarwood plantations which could generate much needed revenues for the country.
All that is needed is to change the mindset of our Environment and Natural Resources officials from restriction and regulation to facilitation and promotion.
Let’s do this now. Sayang ang panahon.
#KungGustoMaramingParaan!
#GovernanceIsCommonSense!
(Photos downloaded from public websites show an Agarwood Plantation in Indonesia and the Oud Perfume produced by processing Agarwood resin.)