- Forestry sector holds great promise for Philippine’s economy
- Employing thousands of Filipinos while helping contribute to the overall growth of our entire country
- Philippine Wood Expo 2019; aiming to expand the reach of businesses in the wood sector by providing the opportunity to interface with other industry players
The Philippine forestry sector is a promising center of growth for the Philippines.
It employs thousands of Filipinos and provides their families with decent livelihoods while helping contribute to the overall growth of our entire country.
The Forest Management Bureau says that the industry has contributed around ₱2.3 Billion in 2017 to our Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Though this number is significant, we can do so much more.
According to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), several problems still hinder further development in the forestry sector, including unconducive policy for forestry investment, absence of national policy that addresses permanent forest limit and delineation, and a myriad of other ills that need to be addressed quickly.
To help spur growth, the government has identified specific steps to take under the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 to ensure that the local forestry sector continues to be responsive to current problems.
This involves, among others, complete delineation of final forest limits, including protection and production areas through legislation and the promotion of sustainable forest-based industries.
The former will better equip our country to manage our forests while the latter will ensure that livelihoods that depend on forests will be protected and made more sustainable.
Another opportunity to fulfill the great promise of Philippine forestry that the government has identified is the widespread adaptation of sustainable forest management.
According to NEDA, this will help increase the competitiveness of the forestry sector especially when global standards are adhered to and forest certification schemes are put in place.
“The Philippine forestry sector is filled with promise,” Charlie Liu, Chairman of the Philippine Wood Producers Association (PWPA) said.
“We at the Philippine Wood Producers Association are looking forward to working closely with all relevant stakeholders of the forestry sector so that we can continue to achieve the dream of a forestry sector that is actively contributing to the development of our country.”
PWPA believes that through sustainable forest management, we can balance the country’s need for wood while protecting the environment to ensure that future generations can continue to reap its benefits.
Today, the sector continues to provide a reliable source of livelihood for countless Filipinos.
More than 1,700 establishments form the forestry industry and over 70,000 people are in their employ.
“Many Filipinos across the country depend on our industry for their livelihoods.
That’s why we are adamant about campaigning for the wider adaptation of sustainable forest management.
We believe that through it we can empower more Filipinos who rely on the forestry sector,” Liu said.
In line with PWPA’s campaign for sustainable forest management, the organization is holding the Philippine Wood Expo 2019 at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza this October 21 to 22.
The event promises to be a great opportunity for suppliers and manufacturers of wood products as well as wood enthusiasts to showcase their products and innovative technologies to attendees coming from various countries.
The Philippine Wood Expo 2019 aims to expand the reach of businesses in the wood sector by providing them with the opportunity to interface with other industry players.
