Bicol Natural Park Herbarium and Leaf Sample Collection

This initiative aims to address key challenges in species-level wood identification, particularly for law enforcement and export certification, by establishing the country’s first DNA testing facility dedicated to timber analysis.

By integrating DNA sequencing with a comprehensive database, the project will support the wood and furniture industries, enhance law enforcement capabilities, and aid researchers and cultural preservationists. The development of PhilWood will involve sequencing DNA from at least 91 species of Philippine timber species, from exporters, DENR, National Museum of the Philippines (NMP), and institutions like the UP School of Archaeology (UPSA).