By I. Inojales, Helen Castaño|12:18 PM April 15, 2026
TAGBILARAN CITY — A potential crisis is looming over Bohol’s furniture industry after more than 200 shops were flagged by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for operating without required environmental permits, raising fears of closures and job losses.
The issue was brought to light by Board Member Jiselle Rae Aumentado Villamor during a Sangguniang Panlalawigan session, where she warned of the serious impact on micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that form the backbone of the province’s furniture-making sector.
Among the violations cited were the absence of Environmental Compliance Certificates (ECC) and Wood Processing Plant Permits—documents required for lawful operations.
Villamor noted that many small furniture makers had been operating under the assumption that securing local business permits and Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) registration was sufficient, only to later discover additional environmental compliance requirements.
“Let me be clear: we recognize and respect the importance of environmental laws. These regulations exist to protect our natural resources and ensure sustainable development,” Villamor said.
However, she pointed out that compliance poses a significant challenge for small operators, both in terms of cost and complexity. She explained that the process often requires dealing with multiple government offices, preparing technical documents, and even hiring consultants—expenses that can reach over P100,000.
“This is not about choosing between the environment and livelihood. This is about ensuring that we achieve both—responsibly, fairly, and humanely. Let us act with urgency, but also with wisdom. Good governance means making compliance possible, not punitive. Because behind every furniture shop is not just a business—but a family relying on it,” she added.
Villamor warned that without timely government intervention, the situation could lead to widespread closures, affecting thousands of workers and threatening one of
Bohol’s long-standing industries.
In response, she has called for a formal investigation and referred the matter to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan committees on Environment and Natural Resources and Trade and Industry.
The committees are expected to summon the DENR, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and concerned local government units to review enforcement measures and explore possible assistance for affected businesses.
