Rubber – Industry Strategic Science and Technology Plans (ISPs) Platform

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Rubber

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Rubber Industry Profile

Rubber is one of the most popular agro-industrial crops in Southeast and South Asia. Major countries producing rubber worldwide include Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, China and India. Scientifically known as Hevea brasiliensis, the rubber tree is a robust perennial crop with natural rubber (NR) as its main product. Majority of rubber production in the Philippines is sourced from Mindanao, wherein the country ranked 10th in the world in terms of natural rubber production back in 2014. As of 2023, the top rubber-producing province in the country is Cotabato with 110,764 metric tons (MT) of coagulated cup lump produced. This is followed by Zamboanga Sibugay and Basilan with 108,111 MT and 69,392 MT, respectively. On the other hand, the top producing regions are Zamboanga Peninsula, SOCCSKSARGEN and BARMM.

The three main sectors of the Philippine Rubber Industry are upstream, midstream, and downstream. The upstream sector includes input suppliers and rubber planters producing latex and cup lumps. The midstream sector involves processors of Technically Specified Rubber (crumb rubber and air-dried sheets), latex concentrate, as well as traders and exporters. The downstream sector comprises manufacturers of tires, automotive parts, sports products, and footwears. Upstream and midstream activities are primarily located in Mindanao, while downstream activities are in Luzon and Visayas.

Problems in the Industry

Like any other commodities, rubber is also faced with several problems such as

Low farm productivity
Reduced latex quality,
Inadequate Quality Planting Material (QPM) supply
Poor site development, and
Low technology adoption.

Low farm productivity is attributed to the extensive use of low-yielding seedlings, mislabeled clones as high-yielding, poor tapping practice, non-adoption of fertilization schedule and also, climate change. The reduced latex quality also results to the lower price of raw natural rubber. This can be caused by poor tapping coagulation practice (e.g. use of sulphuric acid), reduced rubber tree life and insufficiency of trained farmers/tappers. Although there has been an increasing trend in areas planted to rubber, there is still a problem with the availability and supply of QPM and poor nursery and budwood management practices. Among the hindrance to rubber expansion is poor site development which can be attributed to insufficient planning and site matching tools, limited studies on suitable rubber planting sites and impacts of climate change.

Price
Production
Policies and Programs

Farm Gate Price
Retail Price
Wholesale Price

Volume
Value
Area
Yield

Rubber Policies

Policy Type	Policy Number	Policy Year	Congress	Policy Title	Policy Description	Policy Objective	Policy Link
Law	Republic Act No. 10089	2.009	14th	An Act Creating the Philippine Rubber Institute to Develop the Philippine Rubber Industry and for Other Purposes	The establishment of the Philippine Rubber Research Institute aims to comprehensively realize the goals of human empowerment and economic development in the countryside through programs and projects that will increase rubber production in the country, and improve quality of life especially in poor rural communities that depend primarily on this industry	“Philippine Rubber Research Institute” refers to the main institute for rubber at the Mindanao State University (MSU) to be based in the Municipality of Naga, Province of Zamboanga Sibugay and its satellite units as may be subsequently established whose mandate is to initiate and administer research and development programs to improve quality and increase productivity of rubber especially for the benefit of smallholder rubber producers and processors.	http://senate.gov.ph/republic_acts/ra%2010089.pdf
Bill	Senate Bill No. 526	2.019	18th	An Act to Develop the Rubber Industry, Establishing for the Purpose the Philippine Rubber Industry Development Board, Defining its Powers and Functions and Appropriating Funds Therefor	The bill aims to establish the Philippine Rubber Industry Development Board (PHILRUBBER), which will further strengthen the foundations of the Philippine rubber industry to its full potential by creating more opportunities in the agricultural and manufacturing sector.	With the rising demand for natural and synthetic rubber, it is expected that demand for rubber will reach up to 15.238 million tons by the year 2022. Much of this demand would stem from the rise of industries making use of rubber such as the automotive, footwear, and healthcare industries. The rubber industry in the Philippines produced up to about 181,313 MT of rubber in the year 2016, which was fewer by 8.92% than in 2015. Furthermore, the overall export performance of rubber in the Philippines declined. The total export revenue generated by the rubber industry in 2016 was only US135.08 million, whereas in 2012, the total export revenue was US405.99 million. This measure provides a means of producing a steady supply of quality rubber by enhancing the competitiveness of the processing and manufacturing of rubber and rubber-based products.	http://senate.gov.ph/lisdata/3090927762!.pdf
Bill	Senate Bill No. 3393	2.009	14th	An Act Creating the Philippine Rubber Authority (PhilRA), Defining its Powers and Functions and Appropriating Funds Therefor	To promote the integrated development of the rubber industry in all its aspects from research, production, processing, marketing and trade regulation to make them globally competitive; To sustain the growth of and demand for rubber in both domestic and international markets; To formulate and enforce standard and regulatory measures in order to maintain good quality rubber products traded in the domestic and international markets; To encourage and provide adequate incentives to investment in rubber industry; To improve farm productivity through the adoption of modern prescribed technology so as to increase farmers’ income, sand; To encourage and promote the use of locally produced rubber products.	The Philippine domestic rubber production is only at 351,556 metric tonnes. About 201,934 metric tonnes or 60% is for domestic consumption and 140,622 or 40% for export. The domestic market requires 323,000 metric tonnes per year, thus we have a deficit of 112,066 metric tonnes per year aside from the export requirement of 5% increase per year to the huge demand in the worrd market. This low rubber production and productivity can be attributed to the following issues and problems: 1) area planted with rubber is dismally minimal; 2) limited value adding activities for rubber products; 3) lack of defined quality standards for rubber products; 4) weak linkage of farm producers with key players in the marketing chain; 5) limited access to credit and financing; and 6) absence of an enabling business environment that will attract investments. To immediately address the problems confronting the rubber industry, this bill seeks to create under tke Office of the President, the Philippine Rubber Authority (PhilRA). As a single entity directly under the control and supervision of the Office of the President, it will accelerate the execution of its program, projects, and activities.	http://senate.gov.ph/lisdata/1217210640!.pdf

Rubber Programs

Agency	Program Title	Program Description
Philippine Rubber Research Institute (PRRI)	Capacity Development Program for Rubber Farmers’ Associations and Cooperatives	Training on Capacity Development Program to the TIMARBEMCO members at Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay on June 24-25, 2020.
Philippine Rubber Research Institute (PRRI)	Capacity Development Program for Rubber Farmers’ Associations and Cooperatives	A two-day training on Capacity Development Program for rubber Farmers’ Associations and Cooperatives was conducted at Brgy. Timalang, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay on June 22-23, 2020. The said activity participated with twenty-three rubber farmers from Timalang Rubber Farmers’ Association.
Philippine Rubber Research Institute (PRRI)	Philippine Rubber Research Institute Seeds Distribution	PRRI staff on its implementation of rubber-based intervention project entitled ‘Gulayan sa Gomahan’ has gone to the area for seeds distribution to the identified rubber farmers and tappers at Dalisay, Titay, Zamboanga Sibugay
Philippine Rubber Research Institute (PRRI)	Collection of Rubber promising and potential clones (Special Project)	Germplasm collection have provided original materials for plant breeding program and crop improvement. Because of their genetic diversity and possible occurrence of particular desirable genes, germplasm collection are useful targets to plant breeders. Recently, many of germplasm are being lost worldwide due to habitat destruction, invasion of foreign species, and reliance on fewer high yielding strains. Therefore, maintaining germplasm collection will be utilized based on its characters of immediate perceived value or its potential variation. Furthermore, it can also be used to better understand the properties and performance of the plants, particularly at the genomic level. Nowadays, counties all over the world have set up facilities for conservation, characterization and utilization of germplasm collections of various crops either directly or indirectly.
Philippine Rubber Research Institute (PRRI)	PRRI- IRRDB Multilateral Clone Exchange Trial (Special Project)	The Multilateral Clone Exchange Program has been organized by the International Rubber Research Development Board (IRRDB) to preserve potential clones of good performance. Thus, popular clones evolved in different countries are being introduce to member countries and evaluate under the local agro climatic conditions. Fifteen countries under IRRDB membership are participating. In total there are forty-nine clones to be exchanged by 12 countries. The Philippines contributed by giving its lone clone USM1 to all participating countries. While other countries such as; Cambodia, Cameroon and Guatemala are recipients only
Philippine Rubber Research Institute (PRRI)	Phenotypic Diversity of Small-Scale Hevea Germplasm Grown in PRRI Nursery at their Juvenile Stage	Proper identification of rubber clones plays a vital role in crop management system and research. Although clones do not exhibit highly distinct variations. Most of them possess differences in certain minor, but more or less stable morphological features which can be used for identification. Collection of germplasm resources is a significant component of any conservation program and is likely costly and logistically difficult. Germplasm collections in genebank repositories remain of less value unless characterized and evaluated for their range of variability and what they could offer for research and other uses. It is highly important to characterize and evaluate cultivar to look for novel gene sources that are potential and useful for future breeding study. This merited sufficient concern for the urgent conservation of its genetic resources which serves dual purposes; conservation per se and for the immediate and/or future utilization (Hodkin et al., 1995), as with other species. This study is being conducted to assess the genetic diversity of the collected hevea germplasm under PRRI nursery condition at juvenile stage to facilitate efficient selection of parent materials for hybridization and the identification of highly heterotic groups.

ISP for Rubber

The Rubber ISP aims to address the supply chain problems of the industry through S&T interventions such as:

Varietal improvement and selection through barcoding of high yielding clones (HYCs)
Rapid clonal mass propagation techniques and use of root trainer in nursery production
Rapid mapping of existing plantations and suitable areas using RS/GIS
Computer-based Decision Support System (DSS) for species-site compatibility
Package of technology in nursery and plantation management
Optimized rehabilitation techniques for senescent rubber trees and production system through rubber-based agroforestry systems
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) control of rubber diseases using biocontrol agents and biopesticidesOptimized rubber latex harvesting/tapping and coagulation techniques through training of new rubber tappers and tapper trainors

Strategic R&D

Strategic R&D is DOST-PCAARRD’s banner program comprising all R&D activities that are intended to
generate outputs geared towards maximum economic and social benefits

Potential Endophytes against white root rot and major and emerging leaf diseases of rubber

White root rot (WRR) manifests conspicuously within regions 9, 10, and 12. Healthy root specimens were collected and subjected to..

PRRI-developed rubber tapping device

Nowadays, latex harvesting is critical in rubber plantations. The tapping knife and tapping skills of the tapper is essential in..

Low Frequency Tapping System

A quarter (¼) spiral upward tapping cut measured from 1.10m height above the ground with tapping angle of 450 and..

Assessment of the Growth and Yield Performance of Rubber Planted in Non-Traditional Areas of the Philippines

Rubber production in the Philippines is intensively cultivated in Mindanao as its traditional area because of its favorable agro-climate. Owing..

Etiology and Management Strategies for Tapping Panel Dryness and Stem Bleeding Diseases of Rubber

The study explored the factors involved in the development of Tapping Panel Dryness (TPD) and Stem Bleeding (SB) in rubber..

GIS-Based Inventory and Sustainability Assessment for Rubber and Cacao in Major Production Areas of the Philippines

Identification of potential expansion areas for rubber is essential to increase local production and improve their quality while taking advantage..

Nationwide Clonal Adaptation Trial and Innovation of Propagation Techniques of Newly Introduced High-Yielding and Promising Rubber Clones

The program aimed to evaluate the adaptation and performance of recommended and other promising rubber clones in the Philippines in..

Functional Genomics-Assisted Development of Gene Markers for Economically Important Traits in Rubber Production Varietal Improvement

Functional genomics involves studies on how genes and intergenic regions of the genome contribute to different biological processes. This is..

Products, equipment, and protocols or process innovations developed to improve productivity, efficiency,
quality, and profitability in the agriculture and aquatic industries, and to achieve sustainable
utilization and management of natural resources

Tool for Building Site Matching Functions for Rubber, Coffee and Cacao

Species-site compatibility is a crucial factor in the establishment of forest plantations (ERDB, 2010). In the past, species trials conducted showed that different species have their own site requirements to...

Root Trainer for the production of quality planting materials

One aspect of growth improvement in rubber plants is in the good root development. For better growth of rubber seedlings, root trainer technology has been developed. Root trainers are specifically...

Rubber Tree Rain Guards for Improved Latex Recovery

Rubber is one of the top agricultural crops in the Philippines for it generates employment in the rural areas, enhances environmental rehabilitation in idle lands and uplands, and is a...

Technology transfer initiatives ensure that the outputs of R&D and innovations are transformed
into viable and applicable technologies that help intended users

USM IP-TBM PHASE II: Patent Mining of Rubber Technologies thru Intellectual Property and Technology Business Management (IP-TBM) Operations of the University of Southern Mindanao

The project aims to strengthen the capacity of the Intellectual Property and Technology Business Development Office (IP-TBM) of the University of Southern Mindanao through patent mining. The project involves the...

S&T Community-based Farms (STCBF) on Promoting Rubber Plantations in the Province of Basilan, ARMM

Basilan is now identified as a centre of commercial crops in the ARMM. It is an opportunity to enhance the province’s potential for agricultural development. This proposal is a vital...

Establishment of Rubber Nursery, Budwood Garden and Demonstration Farm in Cavinti, Laguna: An STCBF Approach

This project will adopt existing rubber technology to be implemented by the College of Forestry and Natural Resources with the collaboration of the Southern Tagalog Rubber Producers’ Cooperative and consultants...

Capability Building on Tapping and Use of Appropriate Coagulant for Improved Rubber Latex Yield

The intent of this project is to help improve the yield and quality of Philippine rubber latex and address the concern raised on incorrect tapping practices through the training of...

S&T Community-Based Farm on Rubber production in Tampilisan, Zamboanga del Norte

Zamboanga del Norte shared 4% of the country’s total rubber production in 2010 where most of the rubber plantations are managed by Agrarian Reform Communities and only a few are...

Capacity building efforts of DOST-PCAARRD seek to develop and enhance the R&D capabilities of researchers
and academic or research institutions through graduate assistantships & non-degree trainings
and development and/or upgrading of research facilities

Manpower Development

Training on Rubber Production and Latex Harvesting for Improved Philippine Rubber

Training on Tapping and Use of Appropriate Coagulant for Improved Rubber Latex Yield

Rubber Production and Latex Harvesting for Improved Yield and Quality Philippine Rubber Seminar

Graduate Research and Education Assistantship for Technology (GREAT) Scholar – Dr. Jill D. Villanueva (PRRI), GREAT program completer and a dedicated researcher specializing in Plant Pathology

GREAT Scholar – Ms. Blair Ann L. Adora (DA-RFO 9), a Senior Science Research Specialist at the Department of Agriculture, is among the pioneering completers of the GREAT Program. She specializes in Plant Pathology, contributing to advancements in agricultural research and development.

GREAT Scholar – Ms. Claire Nova O. Abdulatip (PRRI), a recent graduate with a Master’s degree in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering from the University of Southern Mindanao, is now making valuable contributions to the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PRRI)

Policy Research & Advocacy

Analysis of policy concerns and advocacy of science-informed policies ensures that the AANR policy environment is conducive for S&T development
and investments

Policy Analysis and Advocacy on the Use of Various Latex Coagulants and Nano-Sensor for Improved Quality of Raw Rubber Products

In Western Mindanao, rubber is an important industry contributing significantly to the region with 40% of the total production area, 45% of dry rubber, and 42% of cup lump production. However, one critical issue affecting the industry is the use of battery solution instead of formic acid to increase weight, which leads to a lower dry rubber content in the coagulum and reduced quality of crumb rubber.

To address the issue of rubber quality detection, Surface Toughness Analyzer for Rubber (STAR) was developed. However, at field validation, it cannot detect the quality of rubber inside the block because of the shortness of probe. Additionally, it could only detect the type of acid used within a limited time frame of 7 to 30 days only.

The study recommends the following: (1) improvement of the STAR gadget for utilization, (2) make available ready to use formic acid to small farmers, (3) explore and increase local consumption of rubber-based products such as rubberize roads, (4) adopt schemes of issuing licenses to operate for farmer-producer, traders, and processors, (5) adopt good agricultural practices (GAP) and good manufacturing practices (GMP) as basis for exporting rubber products, and (6) consider the imposition of rubber levy to key players in the industry as fund for rubber development in the country.

Based on the results of the PCAARRD funded project: Policy Analysis and Advocacy on the Use of Various Latex Coagulants and Nano-Sensor for Improved Quality of Raw Rubber Products. By Narvaez, T. (WMSU).

PCAARRD's Industry Strategic Science and Technology Programs