Twenty-three owners of wood-based enterprises in Liloy, Zamboanga del Norte, participated in an orientation conducted last week by the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro)-Liloy to help them comply with forestry regulations.
Orientation addresses permit misconceptions
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Zamboanga Peninsula said in a statement Friday, July 10, 2026, that the orientation was attended by wood processors, lumber dealers, and furniture shop owners. The event aimed to correct a common misconception among participants who believed that business permits from Local Government Units and registration with the Department of Trade and Industry were sufficient to operate legally. Cenro-Liloy personnel explained that businesses engaged in wood processing, lumber dealing, and related activities must also secure appropriate permits from DENR.
Cenro assures support for legalization
Maribel Acama, officer-in-charge of Cenro-Liloy, assured participants that the office is committed to assisting wood-based enterprise owners in securing necessary permits and registrations to legalize their operations, giving them peace of mind and better opportunities for business growth.
Penro encourages government support
Jaime Salvador, officer-in-charge of the Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (Penro), encouraged participants to take advantage of government support. “Our office is here to support you. We want to make the application process easier, faster, and more accessible, and we want you to be free from facing any legal or criminal case related to wood enterprise,” Salvador said.
Laws and policies covered
Participants were also oriented on the Chainsaw Act, the Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines, and other laws and policies governing wood processing, lumber dealerships, and transport of forest products, including legal requirements and responsibilities of permit holders.
