A bill has been filed at the House of Representatives proposing to liberalize and expand opportunities in Agarwood industry.
“Our countrymen deserve to be given more opportunities to venture into such a high-value industry and to compete globally,” Rep. Wilbert Lee of party-list AGRI said. Agarwood, locally known as “lapnisan,” is a high-value tree known for its distinctive fragrance that is commonly sourced from Aquilaria. This forest product is used as a material for incense, perfume, and medicine.
“Currently, we have regulations for farmed Aquilaria, those which are cultivated for trade. But with the promising profits from a sustainable Agarwood industry which can generate jobs and livelihood across the country and contribute to the Philippine economy, the government must optimize the industry by allowing more Filipinos to venture into it while ensuring protection of our natural resources to avoid exploitation,” Lee said.