Palawan, considered as the Philippines’ last ecological frontier, is home to the Batak and Tagbanua indigenous people (IP). They live in the forested upland area, which is also their major source of livelihood.
One of the most important resources they depend on are Almaciga trees. Almaciga (Agathis philippinensis) is a timber species endemic to other provinces, and grows in the mountainous forests of Palawan. Almaciga produces a resin that IPs sell to traders and buyers. But local authorities and conservationists are alarmed by unsustainable practices that pose a threat to the tree.
According to an article published by the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (Searca), the almaciga resin which is a non-timber forest product—has also been called the renowned Manila copal—and is used in manufacturing varnishes, lacquer, soap, paint, printing inks, linoleum, shoe polish, floor wax, plastic, waterproofing materials, and paper sizing, to name a few.
However, the over-extraction of the resin is causing Almaciga trees to diminish in numbers.
“Almaciga resin is an important dollar earner among the country’s non-timber forest products. This species, however, is rapidly vanishing. In recent years, there have been reports of dying trees because of heartwood rotting, and destructive and excessive tapping of the resin,” the article reads.
Recently, the United States Agency for International Development (USAid), through the Sustainable Interventions for Biodiversity, Oceans, and Landscapes (Sibol) project and the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro) of Puerto Princesa have collaborated in teaching the Tagbanua and Batak people not only how to protect and grow the valuable trees, but also other income-generating enterprises from the resin.
In an activity participated in by Batak and Tagbanua leaders and resin tappers from three villages in Puerto Princesa, namely Kalakwasan in Tanabag, Tagnaya in Concepcion, and Manggapin in Langogan, USAid-Sibol shared not only proper tapping techniques but also the knowledge and skill in resin classification and starting up sustainable businesses.
“In a rare learning exchange, the Batak and Tagbanua tribes are embracing sustainable Almaciga tapping,” USAid-Sibol said.
“As a result of the training and exposure visit, the three communities, inspired by what they have learned, developed plans for the sustainable management and harvesting of almaciga resin. These plans not only encompassed techniques for sustainable harvesting, but also integrated indigenous wisdom and practices for the preservation and regeneration of the almaciga trees and surrounding ecosystems. With continued support and implementation of these plans, the Batak and Tagbanua communities are poised to sustainably harness their natural resources while preserving their cultural heritage and CNCH’s ecological integrity” said Febriza Delpha Adem, Manager of Cenro’s CNCH Management Office (Cleopatra’s Needle Critical Habitat).
Puppet show
Intensifying its campaign to protect Puerto Princesa’s forests, Cenro—under the leadership of Atty. Carlo Gomez—has held exhibits, information and education campaigns, and puppet shows conveying the importance of the public’s participation in the protection and conservation of the natural environment.
The puppet show “Ginto sa Dagta (Gold in tree sap),” for instance, focuses on the highly valued Almaciga tree resin. It features two indigenous Batak children who face the challenges of resin over-extraction and rampant wildlife hunting and trade.
IUCN is a global network of experts and organizations working to conserve biodiversity and promote sustainable development.
