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Flavors and Fragrances from the Forests Technology Program
Program Leader: F.B. Samiano
The use of odorous substances and essential oils either for pleasure, medicinal or therapeutic purposes plays a big part in our history. The interests and innovations on utilizing different aromatic materials have evolved into a now renowned flavors and fragrances industry.
Over the years, the flavor and fragrances industry has proven to be one of the very profitable niche markets. In 2018, its global market value amounted to around US$ 20 Billion and is projected to reach more than US$30 Billion by 2025. Among the leading countries that contributed to market include Europe, Africa, Middle East, North America, Asia-Pacific and South America, while interesting emerging markets are in China, India, Russia and Central America. The five leading global companies for flavors and fragrances are the following: a) Givaudan, a Swiss multinational manufacturer; b) Firmenich, also a private Swiss company; c) International Flavours and Fragrances, Inc., an American corporation; d) Symrise, a producer based in Germany; and e) Takasago, an international producer headquartered in Japan.
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Human Security and Defense R & D
Insurgency and terrorism are the pressing problems that the country faces at present. In trying to overcome this problem the government revitalizes the DND’s SRDP (Department of National Defense’ Self-Reliant Defense Posture) Program a.k.a Self- Reliant Defense Capability Program. The main thrust is to be self-sufficient in basic military requirements by manufacturing our weapons, small arms and ammunitions, tactical communications equipment, basic land vehicles and small sea crafts, among others.
The threats posed by Islamic extremists and communist rebels prompted President Duterte to increase the DND budget to 140 billion pesos to enhance the AFP and PNP’s capability in 2018. Of the amount, P25 billion will be allocated to finance the SRDP Program to fund the purchase of weapons and armaments, among others. He has promised to provide everything the military needs to fight terrorism and insurgency as well as illegal drugs.
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Gubat Obra: Forest-Based Creative Products S&T Program
Creative industries are “industries which have their origin in individual creativity, skill and talent which have a potential for wealth and job creation through the generation and exploitation of intellectual property” (DCMS, 2001).
The Philippine government has been seeing creative industries as a key driver for inclusive growth and competitiveness across the country. This is due to the vast potential of this sector.
Globally, creative industries recorded USD 2.3 trillion in revenues in 2013 (Cultural Times, 2015). In the Philippines, they contributed PhP 661 billion or 7.34% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 560, 665 in employment in 2010 (IPOPHIL, 2014). In the 2015 United Nations Creative Economy Report, the Philippines’ creative exports stood at USD4.1 billion or an equivalent to 2% total market share in the whole Asia Pacific.
