BY BEN MOSES EBREO
BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya (September 12, 2025) — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is strengthening its partnership with furniture and charcoal industry players in Nueva Vizcaya to promote sustainable forest management and responsible use of natural resources.
Engineer Giovannie Magat, provincial environment and natural resources officer, said they have intensified their information, education, and communication efforts targeting furniture shop owners and wood charcoal production permit holders in Nueva Vizcaya.
“We recently conducted a consultation meeting with 40 furniture shop owners in the province, held in Aritao town, to empower them as our partners in environmental protection and promotion,” Magat said.
He added that the forum, held on August 30, served as a venue for dialogue on industry concerns and guidance on forestry laws, including chainsaw registration, forest utilization permits, and monitoring requirements.
Partner government agencies also joined the initiative, including the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Environmental Management Bureau, Bureau of Fire Protection, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and concerned local government units.
These agencies helped orient stakeholders on the Revised Forestry Code, business compliance, fire prevention, and available skills development programs.
Participants were also encouraged to comply with transport permit regulations and proper documentation to ensure sustainability in their operations, Magat said.
“These initiatives form part of the earlier call by our Regional Executive Director Gwendolyn Bambalan to ensure the green and legally compliant expansion of the Furniture Woodworking Facility under DTI’s Shared Service Facility Program,” he added.
The effort also aims to boost the competitiveness of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the furniture sector while emphasizing environmental responsibility, Magat said. PIA