Bacnotan, La Union, Philippines — 16 April 2026 — Putz Agarwood Farm Corporation (PAFC) and Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU) – North La Union Campus have officially entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a collaborative initiative focused on the development of an Agarwood (Aquilaria spp.) Plantation and Research Demonstration Site.
The partnership marks a significant step toward advancing sustainable agroforestry, high-value crop innovation, and science-driven agricultural development in the Philippines. The initiative will transform a designated area within the DMMMSU Bacnotan campus into a living laboratory, supporting instruction, research, extension, and enterprise development.
Under the MOU, both parties will work closely to integrate academic research with industry expertise, enabling students, faculty, and stakeholders to engage in hands-on learning and applied research in agarwood cultivation and production systems.
“This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth,” said Manuelito R. Putong, Founder and Authorized Representative of Putz Agarwood Farm Corporation. “By combining the academic strength of DMMMSU with industry experience, we are creating a platform that will benefit students, farmers, and the broader agroforestry sector.”
The initiative will focus on several key components, including:
- Establishment of a pilot agarwood plantation
- Research on growth performance, resin induction, and sustainability practices
- Development of training and extension programs for farmers and stakeholders
- Promotion of agarwood as a high-value, climate-resilient agroforestry crop
University officials emphasized that the partnership aligns with DMMMSU’s mandate to strengthen instruction, research, extension, and production, while contributing to regional development and environmental sustainability.
The collaboration is also expected to enhance capacity building, technology transfer, and industry linkage, positioning DMMMSU as a potential leader in agarwood research and sustainable forestry innovation in Northern Luzon.
The MOU signing ceremony was attended by representatives from both institutions, faculty members, and key stakeholders from the agriculture and forestry sectors.
This partnership underscores a shared vision of promoting nature-based solutions, rural enterprise development, and globally competitive agricultural systems, contributing to long-term economic and environmental resilience.
About Putz Agarwood Farm Corporation (PAFC)
Putz Agarwood Farm Corporation is a Philippine-based agroforestry enterprise specializing in the development of agarwood plantations, sustainable cultivation systems, and value-chain integration, including resin induction and downstream processing.
About Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU)
Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University is a premier state university in Northern Luzon, Philippines, committed to excellence in instruction, research, extension, and production, with a strong focus on agriculture, forestry, and sustainable development.
Media Contact:
Putz Agarwood Farm Corporation
📧 putzagarwoodfarm@gmail.com
🌐 crownagarwoodgroup.com
📞 +63 46 418 9530