A significant milestone is on the horizon for a unique agricultural product developed in Pampanga. The Aglibut Sweet Tamarind variety, created by the Pampanga State Agricultural University (PSAU), is now in the final phase of evaluation for official certification of its planting materials.
Path to Certification and Quality Assurance
This crucial Plant Material Evaluation for Certification is being conducted by the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office III (DA RFO III) – Regulatory Division. The process, which began in early January 2026, represents a vital step in ensuring that the tamarind planting materials distributed to farmers meet strict quality and regulatory standards. Success in this evaluation is a primary requirement for the Plant Nursery Accreditation of the PSAU-Tamarind RDE Center's Sweet Tamarind Nursery, which is managed by Warlina M. Guzman.
A Legacy Variety with Economic Impact
The Aglibut variety is not just another crop; it is a registered and patented product of the state university. It was named in honor of the late Professor Andres Aglibut, who pioneered the successful clonal propagation of this sweet tamarind type. Today, the variety is cultivated across a 45-hectare farm located within the PSAU campus and in adjoining areas.
This production initiative does more than just grow fruit; it provides substantial support to hundreds of farmers who are members of local cooperatives, boosting local agriculture and livelihoods.
From Farm to Fame: Value-Added Products
PSAU's Tamarind Research, Development, and Extension (RDE) Center has maximized the potential of the Aglibut tamarind by creating a range of popular by-products. These include:
- Tamarind wine
- Tamarind juice
- Tamarind candies
- Tamarind jam
These innovative products have garnered significant attention, being featured in numerous television segments, magazine articles, and food exhibitions across the country. The impending certification of the planting materials will further solidify the foundation for expanding this successful agricultural and economic model, ensuring a consistent and high-quality supply for years to come.
