A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) has been signed between Forest Products Research Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) and Agarwood Growers Association of the Philippines Incorporated (AGAP) as National Agarwood Association, represented by CALABARZON Agarwood Growers Producers Cooperative (AGPC) based in Siniloan, Laguna last February 8, 2023 at DOST-FPRDI, Los Banos, Laguna.
The partnership will involve research and development on the utilization of Agarwood (Aquilaria malaccensis Lam., local name Bari) in the country. It also aims to capacitate the local Agarwood growers through technical assistance. Present in the MOA signing are DOST-FPRDI Director Dr. Romulo T. Aggangan (2nd from the right), Deputy Director Dr. Rico J. Cabangon (1st from the right), AGPC Chairman Mr. Philip T. Lim (3rd from the right), AGAP President Mr. Manuelito Putong, Secretariat Mr. Noel Putong and Ms. Ching Alcantara, F3TP Program Leader For. Florena B. Samiano, Chemistry and Biotechnology Section Chief Ms. Rebecca Lapuz, Project Leader Ms. Kimberly Delica, S&T Fellow Mr. Edmark C. Kamantigue, and several Region IV AGPC Board Members.
The first phase of the research project involves the “Chemical Characterization and Evaluation of Antioxidant Properties of Agarwood Leaf Tea (Aquilaria malaccensis)” to start on January 2023.
While the second phase “Evaluation of Storage Stability and Safety of Bari (Aquilaria malaccensis) Tea” will be on January 2024.
Second half of year 2024 will commerce the piloting of the project and will continue on January 2025 for the commercialization.
The aroma produced from the leaves of Bari has a natural calming effect that reduces symptoms of stress, thus enabling people to achieve longer and more restful sleeps. The nutrients found in Bari Tea leaves have also been used for pulmonary health. Naturally, Bari leaves increase the circulation of blood in your system, which is why it is also used to treat sexual dysfunction. When all areas of your body are in healthy circulation they are able to function correctly and provide you with natural, caffeine free energy .