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BAR promotes indigenous plants for health and wellness industry
by Ma. Eloisa E. Hernandez

SAPI President Marjorie P. Lopingco

Ms. Marjorie P. Lopingco, president of the Spa Association of the Philippines, Inc. (SAPI), introduced the prospects of spa industry using indigenous plants in the Philippines during the 6^th Seminar Series of the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) on 30 April 2008 at the 4F RDMIC Building, Visayas Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City.

In behalf of BAR Director Nicomedes P. Eleazar, Management of Information Systems Division (MISD) Head Marlowe U. Aquiono stressed the importance of the BAR Seminar Series as a venue for exchange of information and knowledge, trends, challenges, and opportunities in the agriculture and fisheries R&D sector.

Ms. Lopingco reported that the “SPAmania” is now earning US$24.3 B earnings a year. For the Philippines, a 7.9 percent growth rate has been noted per year with a 71 percent increase since 1999.

To date, there are 158 health and wellness-related registered companies in the country manufacturing organic and natural products, herbal and natural personal care, herbal food supplements and health services, according to Ms. Lopingco. In addition, these companies generated 1,069 jobs or an average of 53 jobs per spa facility.

Ms. Lopingco mentioned two factors that serve as driving forces in the Philippine Spa Industry. These she categorized as Baby Boomers and LOHAS (Lifestyle of Health and Sustainability).

Baby boomers are those aged 44 to 61 years. Practically, “they showed traits on being self-focused, optimistic, impatient, and indulgent; want multiple choices to feel in control; and expect to be treated special,” Ms. Lopingco said.

The Philippines has been blessed with abundant indigenous and medicinal plants believed to have therapeutic benefits. The Department of Health has endorsed 10 of the country's medicinal plants, namely: akapulko, ampalaya, bayabas, bawang, lagundi, niyog-niyogan, sambong, tsaang Gubat, ulasimang Bato, and Yerba Buena.

Also, according to Ms. Lopingco, locally-produced oils show anti-bacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal, and anti-protozoal properties. Good example is the Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO). Other plant producing oils and local essences are sampaguita, patchouli, ylang-ylang, lemon grass, and citronella.

Ms. Lopincgo concluded by advocating a harmonized effort of government and the private sector to further develop the industry.

SAPI, a non-profit organization, was established to uplift, promote, develop, and standardize the spa industry in the country. From a 15-member organization in 2004, it has 154 as of December 2007.