ANNEX I – NC III CONCEPT NOTE

Concept Note: Agarwood Farming NC III – Supervisory & Quality Specialist Level

1. Background

Agarwood (Aquilaria spp.) is a high-value non-timber forest product with significant global demand, particularly in the Middle East, East Asia, and Europe. NC I and NC II provide entry-level and skilled production competencies. However, to fully professionalize the Philippine agarwood industry, a NC III – Supervisory & Quality Specialist qualification is necessary.

2. Rationale

  • Supervisory Needs: Plantation supervisors require knowledge of advanced management, team leadership, and labor coordination.
  • Quality Assurance: NC III equips learners with skills to monitor resin induction quality, grading, storage, and traceability for export compliance.
  • Legal & Ethical Compliance: Higher-level NC III ensures adherence to CITES, DENR, and DA regulations across entire plantations.
  • Industry & Export Readiness: Graduates can serve as farm managers, quality controllers, or cooperative technical officers, enabling premium market access.

3. Proposed Qualification Description

Agarwood Farming NC III equips learners with competencies to:

  • Supervise Agarwood plantation operations
  • Conduct quality assurance of inoculated trees and harvested resin
  • Implement advanced post-harvest handling, storage, and grading
  • Apply full compliance with CITES, DENR, DA, and ethical sourcing standards
  • Manage farm records, traceability, and reporting for domestic and export markets
  • Train and mentor NC I and NC II workers

4. Job Roles / Occupations

  • Plantation Supervisor (Agarwood)
  • Quality Assurance Officer
  • Farm Manager (Smallholder or Cooperative)
  • Technical Trainer / Mentor for NC I and NC II workers
  • Compliance & Traceability Officer

5. Entry Requirements

  • Successful completion of Agarwood Farming NC II
  • Minimum of 2 years field experience in Agarwood plantation management or related tree crop industry
  • Demonstrated knowledge of CITES and DENR regulations

6. Proposed Core Competencies

  1. Supervise plantation establishment, maintenance, and inoculation operations
  2. Conduct quality control of resin formation and harvest-ready trees
  3. Apply advanced post-harvest handling, storage, and grading procedures
  4. Implement compliance and ethical trade standards for plantation and product
  5. Manage records, reporting, and traceability for export and domestic markets
  6. Train, coach, and mentor NC I and NC II workers

7. Training Duration (Proposed)

Unit TypeHours
Basic Competencies40
Common Competencies40
Core Competencies280
Total360 Hours

8. Assessment Methods

  • Written and oral exams (knowledge-based)
  • Practical demonstration of supervisory and quality tasks
  • Portfolio of plantation and QC records
  • Observation and feedback from practical immersion

9. Implementation Strategy

  • Pilot delivery in partnership with accredited TESDA training centers, cooperative farms, and SUCs
  • Ladderized from NC II to ensure seamless progression
  • Integrated with current industry-standard farm management practices

10. Expected Outcomes

  • Competent supervisory personnel for Agarwood plantations
  • Standardized quality assurance across plantations
  • Enhanced compliance with environmental, legal, and ethical requirements
  • Increased productivity, sustainability, and export competitiveness of Philippine agarwood