Caryota cumingii is endemic to the Philippines. It is widespread and known to be occurring in several islands such as in Luzon, Mindoro, Palawan, Panay, Guimaras, Samar and Mindanao. The extent of occurrence (EOO) of C. cumingii is estimated at 618,000 km² while the area of occupancy is estimated at 108 km². Within its distribution, it is found in at least 20 localities, which indicated that it is most likely common and abundant. Therefore, it is assessed here as Least Concern.

Caryota cumingii is endemic to the Philippines and can be found in the island of Luzon, Mindoro, Palawan, Panay, Guimaras, Samar and Mindanao (Fernando 1990, Pelser et al. 2011). Within its distribution range, it occurs in at least 20 localities. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) is estimated at 618,000 km² while the area of occupancy (AOO) is estimated at 108 km². These estimates were based only from available data on the occurrence of C. cumingii. The EOO and AOO of the species may vary significantly if further inventory and survey will be conducted.

Caryota cumingii is known in at least 20 localities which indicate that it is most likely common. However, further research is needed to account the number of mature individuals remaining in the wild and verify extent of population reduction.

Caryota cumingii is a evergreen palm tree growing about 12 metres high, crowned by a rosette of large leaves (Fern 2020).

Caryota cumingii is primarily threatened by land conversion and habitat degradation brought by expansion of commercial agriculture, establishment of plantations, shifting cultivation, urbanization and mining (Bankoff 2007, Suarez and Sajise, 2010, Apan et al. 2017, Curtis et al. 2018). It is also highly susceptible to Nippaecoccus nipae, an invasive mealybug (Lit et al. 2006).

The seeds of the species is used as a substitute for betel nut from Areca catechu. The pith of the stem is a good source of sago starch that can be utilized when time of food shortage comes (Fern 2020). It can also be used for thatch, cordage, and for making brushes and brooms. Furthermore, the species is often cultivated in gardens for ornamental purposes. Species belonging to Caryota are rarely traded beyond the local market and there is no production statistics available (Flach and Ong 2016).

Caryota cumingii is not listed in the Philippine Red List and therefore not protected by law against illegal collection or extraction from the wild. However, it is cultivated in 29 botanic gardens for ex situ conservation (BGCI 2019).