The Declining Rubber Tapping Occupation in Zamboanga Peninsula: An Economic Conundrum

Rovelito L. Narita

Agricultural Economist & Faculty

Jose Rizal Memorial State University-Tampilisan Campus

Znac, Tampilisan, Zamboanga del Norte

In recent years, a notable decline in the number of rubber tappers in the Zamboanga Peninsula has raised questions and concerns among local communities and stakeholders. Having closely monitored the trends and listened to the experiences of those directly involved, it becomes evident that the rubber tapping activity, once a thriving occupation, is now losing its appeal. But why is this happening? What factors are driving this shift, and what does it signify for the region’s economic landscape?

Shifting Preferences and Emerging Opportunities

One primary observation is the allure of alternative income sources. The rise of habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) offers a more immediate and seemingly lucrative means of earning a living compared to the labor-intensive and often unpredictable nature of rubber tapping. Additionally, other agribusiness ventures and non-farm activities are attracting the labor force away from traditional rubber tapping. This shift can be attributed to the broader spectrum of economic opportunities now available. Whether it’s through new entrepreneurial ventures or employment in emerging sectors, people are diversifying their income sources, seeking stability and better returns. This phenomenon begs the question: Is this a natural outcome of economic development, where individuals move towards more profitable and less strenuous occupations as their economic conditions improve?

From a neoclassical labor allocation standpoint, this change reflects the substitution effect where workers allocate their time toward labor activities with higher marginal returns or greater utility. However, the decision may also be influenced by behavioral factors, such as present bias (preference for immediate earnings), peer influence, and aversion to uncertain or delayed returns,indicating the relevance of behavioral economics in explaining rural labor decisions.

The Impact on Agriculture and Youth Engagement

Another dimension to consider is the apparent decline in interest among the younger generation in pursuing careers in agriculture. This trend is not isolated to rubber tapping but extends to agriculture courses and careers in general. The youth’s disengagement from agriculture raises critical questions about the future of the sector. With fewer young people entering agriculture, the sector faces potential challenges in innovation and sustainability. A parallel concern is the prevalence of aging rubber trees, which produce diminishing yields and require costly replanting. Smallholder farmers often lack the capital to replace these aging trees, making the occupation less profitable and less appealing to the next generation. Unless revitalization programs are introduced, the physical deterioration of plantations will continue to accelerate labor exit.

The Role of the 4Ps Program

The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), a government initiative aimed at alleviating poverty, might also be influencing labor dynamics in the region. While the 4Ps program provides financial assistance to poor families, there is an ongoing debate about its long-term impact. Some argue that the financial support allows beneficiaries to seek better opportunities and invest in education and health, thereby contributing to overall economic development. However, others contend that it might inadvertently reduce the labor force in critical sectors like agriculture by providing a cushion that diminishes the urgency to engage in labor-intensive jobs.

From a neoclassical labor allocation standpoint, this shift can be understood through the labor-leisure model. When individuals receive non-labor income, such as remittances or government transfers like 4Ps they may choose to supply less labor because the income allows them to maintain consumption while increasing leisure. In the case of rubber tapping, a physically demanding and time-sensitive task, the opportunity cost of working increases as individuals now have a fallback.

However, behavioral economics offers a complementary lens. Decisions may also be driven by present bias (a preference for immediate comfort or income), peer influence, or a heightened aversion to risk and effort. Rather than simply responding to wages or transfer income in a rational model, individuals may be redefining what kind of work is worth doing based on psychological and social factors. This helps explain why some 4Ps beneficiaries may step back from rubber tapping, not out of complacency, but out of a reframed sense of value, aspiration, or fatigue.

Economic Development: A Double-Edged Sword?

This decline in rubber tapping labor could be viewed through multiple lenses. On one hand, it signals economic progress and diversification, as people transition to potentially more profitable and less physically demanding jobs. On the other hand, it raises concerns about the sustainability of the rubber industry and agriculture as a whole. The phenomenon prompts a crucial inquiry: Is this transition beneficial or detrimental to society?

From an economist’s perspective, these questions merit rigorous empirical study. Understanding the complicated balance between economic growth, labor shifts, and sectoral impacts is essential. If the decline in rubber tapping is indeed a sign of economic progress, then strategies should be developed to support the transition and ensure that critical sectors like agriculture are not neglected. Conversely, if this shift undermines the agricultural base, then interventions are needed to rejuvenate interest and investment in agriculture.

Compounding the situation is the persistently low price of rubber lumps or latex, which discourages smallholders and reduces net returns. Combined with high input costs and limited bargaining power against traders, rubber farming has become economically unsustainable for many households.

Furthermore, the Philippine rubber industry faces competitiveness issues such as quality inconsistencies, outdated production methods, and limited market linkages that weaken its ability to compete with leading producers in Southeast Asia. These structural inefficiencies further erode confidence in the sector.

A Call for Responsive and Inclusive Policy

The decline in rubber tapping is a multifaceted issue rooted in both structural conditions and behavioral responses. It reflects not only market dynamics and physical limitations (like aging trees and low prices), but also evolving perceptions, preferences, and priorities among rural laborers.

Policy responses must consider this complexity. Interventions should include replanting subsidies, improved price stabilization mechanisms, youth-targeted agri-entrepreneurship programs, and the strategic use of behavioral tools to shift mindsets and restore confidence in agriculture.

As an agricultural economist, I advocate for deeper empirical research to model and understand this labor transition particularly the nuanced role of conditional cash transfers, structural decay in the rubber industry, and emerging labor market alternatives. Only then can we formulate informed, effective policies that ensure rural transformation does not come at the cost of agricultural sustainability.

Disclaimer: “The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Philippine Association of Agriculturists, Inc.”

(Photo grabbed from Business World Online)