Quezon City, Philippines – The Philippines took a significant leap toward strengthening Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) with the ceremonial signing of agreements between the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), as well as a tripartite agreement among BusinessPeople, Inc., the Maporac Ayta Organization-CADT (MAO-CADT), and NCIP Region III. These milestones were followed by the launch of the ABS Clearinghouse, a digital platform designed to enhance transparency and accountability in genetic resource management in the Philippines. The events took place during the World Wildlife Day (WWD) 2025 celebration on March 3, 2025, at Luxent Hotel, Quezon City.

With the theme, “Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet,” this year’s WWD highlights the role of innovative financing in conservation efforts. The ABS framework, rooted in the Nagoya Protocol, ensures that research and commercial use of biodiversity respect Indigenous rights and contribute to their economic well-being thus providing incentive for conservation and sustainable use. Funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the ABS Project establishes fair and transparent systems for accessing genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge.

A key highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between DENR and NCIP, strengthening government collaboration to ensure that Indigenous communities are recognized as rightful partners and beneficiaries of the sustainable use of their biological resources and traditional knowledge. DENR Undersecretary for Legal and Administration Ernesto Adobo, Jr. emphasized that the signing represents more than just a formal agreement—it is a call for continued collaboration among government agencies, Indigenous Peoples, private sector partners, and civil society to make access and benefit-sharing a tool for inclusion and empowerment.

Ms. Jennifer Sibug-Las, Chairperson of the NCIP, also reiterated that, “This partnership ensures that the Indigenous peoples’ voices will be heard, they will be empowered, and lastly, they will be recognized within their ancestral domains.” 

Another highlight was the tripartite ABS agreement among BusinessPeople, Inc., MAO-CADT, and NCIP Region III. This partnership allows BusinessPeople, Inc. to responsibly access and trade Banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa) leaves while ensuring that the Ayta community receives fair compensation and their negotiated benefits. The agreement, secured through Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC), serves as a model for ethical and mutually beneficial biotrade partnerships.

BusinessPeople, Inc.’s President, Mr. Eutemio Cabilin, thanks the ABS Project, along with the NCIP, UNDP, GEF, and DENR-BMB, for supporting the Banaba industry in helping our Indigenous Peoples, and the industry to further thrive in the future.

The event also marked the official launch of the ABS Clearinghouse, a first-of-its-kind digital platform designed to streamline access procedures, monitor compliance, and facilitate benefit-sharing agreements. This centralized hub connects communities, researchers, private sector partners, and regulatory agencies, ensuring transparency and accountability in the utilization of the country’s genetic resources.

As the Philippines continues to enhance its ABS framework, these agreements and digital innovation pave the way for a more inclusive, ethical, sustainable and community-driven approach to biodiversity governance. Through strengthened partnerships and innovative financing mechanisms, the country is positioning itself as a global leader in responsible conservation and community-driven biodiversity management.