Supply Chain Analysis of Almaciga (Agathis philippinensis, Warb.) Resin in Palawan, the Philippines.

The province of Palawan has been a major producer of almaciga (Agathis philippinensis, Warb.) resin in the Philippines, as reported in the Philippine Forestry Statistics from 1977 to the present. Several indigenous groups and migrants belonging to resin tappers’ associations have been dependent on the industry for a long time. However, these people remained poor despite the growing demand for and increasing price of almaciga resin in the local and international markets. This study aimed to assess the supply chain of almaciga resin from Tagabinet, Puerto Princesa City, and Caruray, San Vicente, in north Palawan, and Barangay Amas in Brooke’s Point, south Palawan, to determine areas of inefficiencies along the chain that cause inequitable distribution of benefits among its supply chain actors. Results showed long and complex supply chain structures for all sites, with 74.89% of the total gross margin going to the local assemblers. Key inefficiencies along the chain include market information asymmetry, unjust profit margin distribution due to long supply chains, and price disparities resulting from a lack of standardized sorting and grading. Proper valuation of raw materials, negotiation and transparency between buyers and suppliers, value-adding activities at the resin tapper’s level, adoption of appropriate tapping techniques, and updating of relevant government policies are recommended. The study's results may serve as input for policy decision-making on the utilization and trade of non-timber forest products in the Philippines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]