Ang Pahayagan

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — Philippine WoodMac 2026 opened on May 7 at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC), bringing together international exhibitors, industry leaders, and professionals to showcase the latest innovations in woodworking and furniture manufacturing.
The three-day event, which runs until May 9, features exhibitions, business networking sessions, product demonstrations, seminars, conferences, and hands-on training programs aimed at strengthening the country’s woodworking and furniture sectors.
The event is organized in partnership with the Philippine Wood Producers Association, the Chamber of Furniture Industries of the Philippines (CFIP), and Pablo Publishing and Exhibition PTE Limited.
Exhibitors from Taiwan, China, Vietnam, Singapore, Germany, and France are showcasing advanced woodworking machinery, furniture innovations, timber technologies, and cabinetry solutions.

William Pang, founder and managing director of Pablo Publishing and Exhibition PTE Limited, said the event marks the return of a specialized international woodworking and furniture machinery exhibition in the Philippines after more than two decades.
He said the exhibition serves as a platform for collaboration, innovation, and growth, citing the Philippines’ growing role in the regional furniture and wood processing industry.
CFIP President Evangeline L. Fernandez described the event as a “reverse trade fair,” where Filipino furniture makers, designers, and manufacturers can directly engage with international suppliers and technology providers.
Fernandez said the National Furniture Industry Congress, held alongside the exhibition, aims to develop a roadmap for the Philippine furniture industry as it faces rising production costs and increasing global competition.
Randy C. Ng, who represented Taiwanese exhibitors, encouraged participants to visit the booths and explore the latest technologies that could help expand the Philippine woodworking and furniture industry.
Atty. Von Rodriguez, representing the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), said Subic Bay’s logistics and trade infrastructure make it an ideal hub for manufacturers and exporters.
Rodriguez noted that the Philippine furniture market was valued at about $844 million in 2024 and cited sustainability issues, declining timber sources, and a shortage of skilled workers as key challenges facing the industry.
He urged stakeholders to invest in eco-friendly materials, modern technologies, and sustainable forestry initiatives.

Among the exhibitors is Consummare Inc., a Subic Bay Freeport-based company that specializes in manufacturing (OEM) design and production of premium presentation boxes for luxury goods and consumables.
Organizers said the event provides opportunities for participants to forge partnerships, explore new technologies, and strengthen the Philippines’ position in the global woodworking and furniture industry. (Text and photos for Ang Pahayagan / JUN DUMAGUING)

TOP 📸: SBMA Chief of Staff Atty. Von Rodrigues (3rd from left) joins William Pang, Founder and Managing Director of Pablo Publishing and Exhibit PTE LTD and Department of Tourism Regional Director Dr. Richard G. Daenos (extreme right) in cutting the ceremonial ribbon during the opening of the three-day Philwood Expo 2026 held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center.