The moringa industry in the Philippines: status,

challenges and opportunities

M.C. Paladaa
Central Philippine University, Iloilo City, Philippines.

Abstract
Moringa is one of the world’s most useful trees and in the Philippines almost all
parts of the plant are used for food and traditional medicine. Various research and
development efforts are currently focused on food fortification to utilize the
nutritional value of moringa and its medicinal potentials. For the past 10 years the
moringa industry in the Philippines has grown significantly as research and
development efforts have focused on this crop. Moringa leaves and seed oil are the
major raw materials used in the food and nutrition industry, in cosmetics and herbal
medicine. The leaf powder is mainly used for food fortification as ingredient of bread,
noodles, juices, milk and tea, while the leaf powder capsule is mostly used as food
supplement and herbal medicine. Moringa oil is predominantly used in cosmetics and
personal health care products such as shampoo, soap, perfumes and skin care. More
new moringa-based products are being developed by more than 20 food and cosmetic
industries in the Philippines. In spite of the growing moringa industry there is a
shortage of good quality fresh and dry moringa raw materials. The supply of moringa
powder is inadequate and unstable and can be attributed to a scarcity of seed and
planting materials. There is no stable and commercial moringa oil industry due to
limited seed supply. The moringa industry in the Philippines is slowly being
developed with the assistance of the government and private sectors. The next step is
to develop a national program for the industry. There are gaps that need to be
addressed. Establishing good agricultural practices and stringent regulations to
guarantee the quality and stability of moringa products is top priority. Addressing the
great demand for planting materials is another major challenge. The opportunities of
moringa-based products seem bright and key players are aiming to penetrate the
international market.

Keywords: moringa products, food fortification, herbal medicine, food industry

INTRODUCTION
In the Philippines, moringa is popularly called “Malunggay”. However, depending on
the region it has various common or local names. Moringa is a vegetable tree which is highly
nutritious and in the Philippines it is often grown in backyard gardens. The leaves and young
green pods are consumed by most household families as vegetable, cooked with local dishes
(Salonga and Urbano, 2013). In the past two decades the popularity of moringa as a
nutritious vegetable tree has reached many sectors and regions in the Philippines. This is
attributed to increased knowledge and discoveries not only of its nutritional value but also
its medicinal and health benefits. While some small-scale dedicated moringa farms already
exist, larger and commercially operating farms are not yet established in the Philippines
(Dar, 2017).
Local interest in moringa, however, has surged following recent campaigns of the
Philippine government on the plant’s powerful properties and uses. Although the market for
moringa products so far remains largely informal, local demand for these products is
growing (Dar, 2017). Based on this background, the moringa industry in the Philippines is
geared and being developed towards improving and increasing moringa production,

a
E-mail: [email protected]

Acta Hortic. 1158. ISHS 2017. DOI 10.17660/ActaHortic.2017.1158.52 447

Proc. I International Symposium on Moringa
Eds.: A.W. Ebert and M.C. Palada
processing, utilization and trade. This paper reviews the status of the moringa industry in
the Philippines focusing on the development of food and industrial products, herbal
medicine, research and development.

FOOD AND NUTRITION

In the Philippines, moringa is mainly used in the food and nutrition industry. As a fresh
vegetable, the leaves, flowers and pods are used for cooking with various local dishes. The
leaves are dried and ground for moringa leaf powder which is used in various ways including
food fortification, seasoning, for herbal products, and as food supplement (Figure 1). As a
food fortification ingredient, moringa powder is used in nutri-buns, bread, cookies, chips,
biscuits, sauces, juices, spices, milk, and noodles. The oil extracted from dry seeds is used as
cooking oil with comparable nutrient value as olive oil. A myriad of moringa-infused
products has been developed since the plant was touted as the miracle and wonder tree
(Africa, 2010). Various parts of the tree can be easily processed and incorporated into a wide
array of products ranging from food supplements to tea, coffee, and energy drinks. Some
moringa-flavored ice creams and smoothies are also sold in some malls. Other food products
enhanced with moringa include pandesal (salted bread), polvoron (a native delicacy made of
flour, sugar and milk), camote muffins and fettuccine (Africa, 2010).
In spite of this trend, however, the volume of moringa powder produced locally is
inadequate and unstable. This can be attributed to the insufficient volume of planting
materials and sub-standard quality of moringa powder (Africa, 2010). Many processors
import cheap quality powder from India and Africa where costs are lower compared to
locally produced powder. However, local producers are not totally on the losing edge,
according to Bernadette Arellano of the MPFI (Arellano, 2010), since the imported powder is
of poor quality (sundried and brown). Processors still prefer the locally-produced powder
which is green, air-dried and has the essential nutrients well-preserved.

Figure 1. Some moringa-based food products and supplements sold in the Philippines.

INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS
Oleifera is a Latin term which means “oil-containing”. Moringa seeds yield 38-40%
edible oil (known as ben oil) which is clear, odorless, and resists rancidity. It is used in the
manufacture of lubricants, cosmetics, and perfumes. The chemical composition and physical
properties of ben oil are also suited to the high-end market given the oil’s high oleic acid
content and other nutritional benefits. Most of the industrial products such as cosmetics,
shampoos, soaps, lotions, creams and lubricants are based on moringa seed oil (Figure 2).
Unfortunately, there is no established and commercial moringa oil industry in the

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Philippines, but key players look forward to getting a chunk of the international market in
the future (Africa, 2010). For example, the Terra Wellness Spa in Pasig City offers the Coco-
Moringa facial, infusing moringa as an anti-aging ingredient. At present, moringa oil
production is small-scale and cannot meet the increasing demand. Moringa is also used in
animal feed supplementation and there is an increasing trend for livestock growers as well
as animal feed companies to incorporate moringa as a component into their feed products.
The opportunities from moringa-based products seem bright and key players are eyeing to
penetrate the international market.

Figure 2. Moringa-based cosmetic products sold in the Philippines.

MEDICINAL POTENTIALS
For the past 10 years some international groups have been conducting medical
missions in the Philippines and are now exploring more sustainable outreach procedures.
One approach is using moringa in the diet and lifestyle of poor communities since the
vegetable is cheap and filled with essential nutrients that can boost health (Yap, 2009;
Serafico et al., 2017; PCHRD, 2016).

MORINGA RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS IN THE PHILIPPINES

The moringa industry in the Philippines is being developed through the support of
both government and private sectors. Government agencies and academic institutions
including public and private colleges and universities have on-going research and
development projects on moringa, whereas, some private sectors are active in promotion
and advocacy programs.

Private companies
As of February 2010, more than 20 private companies were engaged in the moringa
industry in the Philippines (Table 1). These companies are selling various moringa-based
products and the majority are in the form of food supplements, as well as dry leaves, powder,
cosmetics and beauty aids. It is projected that the number of companies engaged in moringa
business will increase in the next 5 years. Although there are a number of commercial
moringa farms, these farms are small to medium size ranging from 1 to 15 ha. Examples are
(1) SBE Farm in Pangasinan; (2) Moringa Propagation Company in Pampanga; (3) JPM
Ecofarm in Laguna, and (4) Kayahag Farm in Negros Occidental.

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Table 1. Partial list of companies and their moringa-based products, February 2010. Source:
Africa (2010).
Company Brand Product
Altermed Corp. Pro-Lacta Malunggay capsules
Malunggay capsule (bottles of 100 at 350 mg capsule-1)
Ardent World Inc. Ardent World Inc. Age-defying anti-oxidant Moringa-O2 Beauty Bar,
Age-defying anti-oxidant Moringa-O2 body lotion
Barrio Fiesta Barrio Fiesta Packed Malunggay leaves
Manufacturing Horseradish leaves
Corp.
Basic Necessity Fresh Malunggay Vacuum-packed fresh Malunggay leaves
leaves
CARICA Herbal Malunggay capsules Capsules (350 mg)
Products, Inc.
Eastmed Lactimax Capsules (325 mg)
Pharmaceutical, Malunggay capsule
Inc.
Filtrite Phil-Supreme Malunggay fresh
Monika/Maynila leaves (227 g pack-1)
Horseradish leaves
First Vita Plus Amazing Moringa 3 in 1 Shampoo (250 mL bottle), Feminine Secret, Foam Wash (60 mL bottle), Purity
Marketing Corp. products 3 in 1 Soap (125 g bar), Oil of Life (massage oil, 20 mL bottle)
Gandang Human Nature Human Nature’s Moringa Organic Face Wash (50 and 100 mL bottle), Human
Kalikasan, Inc Nature’s Moringa Organic Face Toner (100 mL)
Health & Prosper, Veggie caps Capsules (30 and 60 capsule bottles)
Corp., Ltd. Moringa capsule
LVE World LVE Moringa Capsules (60-capsule bottles, 500 mg capsule-1)
capsule
Mariano Marcos Malunggay enriched Cup cakes, bars, noodles, pastillas, polunggay (polvorones de Malunggay), gallugay
State University food products (galletas de Malunggay), Crostini ice cream
Marketing Center
Metropolitan Natalac capsules Capsule (250 mg)
Pharmaceutical
Corp.
MICHRI Health Chrimi Products 8 in 1 Moringa Health Coffee, 7 in 1 Moringa Health Choco, 7 Herbs Moringa Health
International Soap, Moringa Lotion (120 and 70 mL), Moringa Beauty Soap (15 and 125 g bar),
Trading Moringa Detergent Soap (250, 500 and 1000 g packs)
Monde Nissin N-Richard Lucky Me Chicken tinola flavored noodles with Moringa
Corp. Instant Mami
Orich International Zumo Digest and Juice powder concentrate
Traders, Inc. Relax Juice Drink
Prosperity, Inc. Elfav (El Favorito) Malunggay ice cream
R.L.N. Malunggay Sun Angel Herb Tea Malunggay herb tea
Herb Tea Mfg.
Ricky Reyes Energizing Shampoo & conditioner
Hair Salons Malunngay
Shampoo &
Conditioner
SECURA Moringa powder Fortificant in breads, pastries, sauces, noodles, etc.
International Corp.
Viviendo Malunggay tea and Coconut tea with Malunggay, body lotion, massage creams, hair creams,
Philippines, Inc. personal skin care massage oil, lipstick, lip balm, etc.
products
Vleaf Inc. Moringa mint Malunggay herbal tea and capsules
Worldwide Moringa Plus Moringa capsule, soap, coffee and ice tea
Entrepreneurs,
Inc.

Government and private sector initiatives

At least 10 government and private sector (NGOs) agencies are involved in moringa
initiatives and programs as of 2010 (Table 2). In 2005, the Department of Agriculture (DA)
Biotechnology Program Office (BPO) started the advocacy on the health, industrial and

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medicinal potentials of moringa. Shortly after that, the Biotechnology Information
Organization Network (BioNet) Philippines was established through the Biotech for the
Media and Advocacy Resource Center (BMARC) and the DA who provided the funding.
BioNet Philippines is not just designed for moringa, but for all agricultural commodities with
biotechnology potentials. Its main thrust is poverty alleviation through industry clustering
and bringing the growers closer to the market through its BIO Commerce centers. BioNet
encourages farmers to make sure they have market access before engaging into moringa
cultivation (Africa, 2010).
Other government agencies with moringa projects include the Bureau of Agricultural
Research (BAR), the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), the National Agricultural and Fishery
Council (NAFC), the Department of Health (DOH), and the Department of Education
(DepEd).

Table 2. Partial list of government programs and private sector projects on moringa. Source:
Africa, (2010).
Agency Program/activities
Bureau of Agricultural Included moringa in its Indigenous Plants for Health and Wellnes Program and identified
Research (BAR) moringa as a priority crop for propagation
Bureau of Plant Industry Designed a technology (patterned after the practices in Nicaragua) for farmers involving
(BPI) biotech practices for the rapid propagation of moringa. Conducts various researches to
diversity the uses of moringa and upgrade the quality of its leaf powder
Department of Health Utilizes moringa in the its feeding programs with meals like Malunggay fortified lugaw
(DOH) (rice porridge), together with the National Nutrition Council
National Agricultural and Published a booklet on indigenous vegetables including moringa, together with the BPI
Forestry Council (NFAC) endorses moringa leaf meal as feed supplement for dairy cattle, with BAR
Department of Education Promotes moringa-infused recipes in schools
(DepEd)
Moringa Growers Manages the Malunggay Bionegosyo Project
Federation of the
Philippines, Inc. (MGFPI)
Moringaling Philippines Conducts different activities to promote better moringa cultivation and marketing
Foundation, Inc (MPFI)
SECURA Plant Genetics Establishes moringa nurseries and repositories
AKTIB and Asian In partnership with Dept of Agriculture, implements the Malunggay in the City Project
Grassroots
The private sectors involved in moringa advocacy and promotion include a private
sector group that pursues what it calls the Malunggay Bionegosyo Project. Part of the project
is to establish model farms (5 ha each) in different areas. BIONet Philippines also supports
the MGFPI. Moringaling Philippines Foundation, Inc. (MPFI) and the SECURA Plant Genetics
are also key industry players and active contributors. MPFI was the host organization for
conducting the First International Symposium on Moringa which was held in Manila on
November 15-18, 2015. Some of these private sector players established moringa
repositories in Pampanga, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Negros Oriental, Zambales, Camarines Sur,
Nueva Ecija and Isabela.
Another project of the DA together with the Aktibong Kapatiran Tungo sa Isang Bayan
(AKTIB) and the Asian Center for Grassroots Communication and Advocacy is the “Moringa
in the City Project”. The urban farming campaign is designed for the poor communities in
Manila. Communities were given moringa seedlings which they can plant in their backyards
or any available land in their neighborhood. It was initially launched in Metro Manila, and
other metropolitan areas in the country including Zamboanga de Norte and Davao City.
Likewise, the DOH in Davao region launched its “Malunggay sa kada Baranggay” (moringa in
every village) project (Africa, 2010).

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Academic institutions
Recently, a number of state colleges and universities as well as private universities
started and established moringa projects on-campus and on-farm. On-campus projects are
usually part of the instruction where students learn the culture and production of moringa.
Some students conduct their thesis research on moringa. On-farm projects are conducted in
cooperation with local farmers. Central Philippine University in Iloilo City initiated a
moringa germplasm collection and variety evaluation in 2010 in collaboration with the
World Vegetable Center in Taiwan. Five accessions were identified as promising varieties for
leaf biomass production (Palada, 2013; Palada et al., 2015). Among other universities
conducting moringa projects are the Pampanga State Agricultural University, University of
the Philippines at Los Banos, and Marianao Marcos State University.

Challenges and opportunities

Moringa is now regarded as one of the most promising crops in the Philippines. This
vegetable tree has been considered as a miracle and wonder tree next to coconut, and
became a popular vegetable in no time. Cultivation and processing of moringa expanded in
recent years to supply emerging local and international markets. The moringa sector can be
considered as the “golden green industry” and the government is supporting moringa with a
huge optimism given its potential to improve nutrition, enhance food security and more
importantly, further rural development. If the moringa industry were to succeed, moringa
farming could become a very promising enterprise for farmers, as well as a new source of
nutritional and medicinal benefits for rural and urban communities.
The Second Malunggay National Congress held in November 2009 revealed that most
of the raw material produced by growers was not suited for the quality standards required
by processors. There is a need to standardize moringa products to meet the quality
requirements of processors. More education and training on good agricultural practices and
processing for moringa growers venturing into both small and large scale commercial
production should be a component of the R&D programs of both the public and private
sectors. In the local arena, the challenge starts with addressing the great demand for
planting materials like seedlings and stem cuttings. Furthering the tissue culture of moringa
for rapid propagation seems to be a good solution. Thus, there is a need to align the practices
of farmers such that they would be able to produce moringa that suits the quality standards
of processors.
Many opportunities are open for moringa growers as the industry is expected to
expand rapidly in the next 5 to 10 years. These opportunities can be found in the production
of seed and planting materials, leaf production for moringa-based products and oil
production for the cosmetics industry. The opportunities from moringa-based products
seem bright and key players are looking to penetrate the international market.

CONCLUSIONS
After almost two decades, moringa emerged from a minor, indigenous plant to a
miracle multi-purpose tree crop in the Philippines. A diversity of moringa-based products is
now available in the market. The development and promotion of the industry is favored by
both public and private sectors. In spite of the growing industry there are challenges that
need to be addressed. Establishing good agricultural practices and stringent regulations to
guarantee the quality and stability of moringa raw materials and products is top priority.
Addressing the great demand for planting materials is another great challenge. The
opportunities of moringa-based products seem bright and key players are aiming to
penetrate and take a share in the global market.

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