A dream is now becoming a reality for the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) of Municipality of Maragusan, Davao de Oro . The communities of New Bataan and Langawisan, under CADT 019, have officially structured themselves into the Kabal’lusan Tribal Association (KATRIA)—a milestone that brings them closer to establishing their own Almaciga Resin Tapping Enterprise.
A Vision for Sustainable Livelihood
Back in 2023, For. Ferdinand Bautista, the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer (MENRO) of the Municipality of Maragusan, proposed assistance for Almaciga resin tapping as a livelihood for the IP communities of the municipality. With Almaciga ( Agathis philippinensis) being recognized as both a sustainable resource and biodiversity-friendly enterprise (BDFE), the LGU of Maragusan, together with the DENR-UNDP/GEF Biodiversity Corridor (BD Corridor) Project, actively sought ways to realize this vision.
Almaciga trees produce a high-quality resin, called Manila copal, which is used as a key ingredient in various products such as varnishes, lacquers, paper paint driers, linoleum, and ink. Beyond its economic value, the tree provides natural services to biodiversity by providing shade, shelter, and food sources for various fauna species.
From Assessment to Opportunity
In April 2025, a collaborative team composed of the DENR, Eastern Mindanao Biodiversity Corridor (EMBC)-Project Management Unit (PMU), the IP-Mandaya Group of CADT 019, and the Maragusan LGU conducted an Almaciga tree inventory within the selected area. The survey identified a total 463 Almaciga trees, with 449 (97%) of these trees being mature and suitable for tapping based on the Department Administrative Order (DAO) 2021-33 guidelines.
The results provided further proof that Almaciga resin tapping holds a very strong potential as a sustainable and profitable livelihood for the community of CADT 019.
Building Foundations Through Partnerships
The journey toward this enterprise has been made possible through the BD Corridor Project, with the continued support from DENR-Regions XI and XIII, NCIP Provincial Office in Davao de Oro, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office of the Province of Davao de Oro, and the MENRO of Maragusan. These institutions have provided technical assistance, community organizing activities, and capacity-building for the IP communities that are needed to further empower and enhance their own knowledge in BDFEs.
This collective effort demonstrates how collaborations can transform visions into reality. As community leaders noted, what once seemed like an aspiration is now steadily transforming into a concrete livelihood project.
A Shared Path Forward
The Almaciga Resin Tapping Enterprise is more than just an economic opportunity—it has also become an avenue for shared collaboration, respect, and determination. By responsibly tapping into their natural resources, the IPs of Maragusan are not only securing a sustainable future for their community but also contributing to biodiversity conservation. Indeed, this journey proves that nothing is impossible when collaboration is at the forefront towards a common goal.
The Integrated Approach in the Management of Major Biodiversity Corridors in the Philippines, or DENR-UNDP/GEF BD Corridor Project seeks to operationalize integrated management of biodiversity corridors to generate multiple benefits, including effective conservation of globally threatened species and high conservation value forests, reduce deforestation and degradation, and enhance local biodiversity-friendly livelihoods. The project is implemented by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme and funded by the Global Environment Facility. 🍃🌱
