SBMA Chief of Staff Atty. Von Rodrigues join William Pang, Founder and Managing Director of Pablo Publishing and Exhibit PTE LTD in cutting the ceremonial ribbon which opens the three-day Philwood Expo 2026 held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center.
SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The Philippine woodworking and furniture manufacturing industry took center stage as Philippine WoodMac 2026 officially opened on May 7 at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC), gathering international exhibitors, furniture makers, suppliers, and industry leaders from around the world.
The three-day international trade exhibition, which runs until May 9, features advanced woodworking machinery, furniture technologies, timber processing solutions, cabinetry systems, seminars, conferences, product demonstrations, and networking activities designed to strengthen the country’s furniture and wood processing sectors.
Participating exhibitors from Taiwan, China, Vietnam, Singapore, Germany, and France are showcasing the latest innovations in woodworking automation, furniture production, and sustainable manufacturing technologies.
The event is organized through a collaboration among the Philippine Wood Producers Association, the Chamber of Furniture Industries of the Philippines (CFIP), and Pablo Publishing and Exhibition PTE Limited.
William Pang, founder and managing director of Pablo Publishing and Exhibition PTE Limited, described the event as a major milestone for the industry, noting that it marks the return of an international woodworking and furniture machinery exhibition in the Philippines after more than 20 years.
“This event is more than just an exhibition. It is a platform for collaboration, innovation, and growth,” Pang said, emphasizing the Philippines’ growing importance in the regional furniture and wood manufacturing industry due to its skilled workforce and expanding production capabilities.
CFIP President Evangeline L. Fernandez said the event serves as a “reverse trade fair” where Filipino manufacturers, designers, artists, and furniture makers can directly connect with global suppliers and technology providers.
Fernandez said the National Furniture Industry Congress, held alongside the exhibition, aims to craft a roadmap that will help the Philippine furniture industry remain competitive amid rising production costs and global market pressures.
“We remain steadfast because we have collaborators from government agencies and international exhibitors who continue to support the Philippine furniture industry,” Fernandez said.
Meanwhile, Randy C. Ng encouraged local manufacturers and industry stakeholders to maximize the opportunity to learn from international exhibitors and discover emerging technologies that can improve production efficiency and product quality.
“For the last 50 years, Taiwan woodworking machinery has built trust and reputation among customers globally. We are here today bringing key manufacturers from Taiwan, and we strongly encourage everyone to visit the booths and discover the latest technologies that can help grow the Philippine furniture and woodworking industry,” Ng said.
Representing the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), Atty. Von Rodriguez highlighted Subic Bay Freeport’s strategic role as a logistics and investment hub that supports the growth of the woodworking and furniture industry.
Rodriguez cited the Philippines’ growing furniture market and wood product exports while also acknowledging industry challenges such as sustainability concerns, declining timber resources, and shortages in skilled labor.
He urged stakeholders to invest in sustainable forestry programs, eco-friendly materials, and modern production technologies to ensure long-term industry growth.
Rodriguez also emphasized the advantages of operating within the Subic Bay Freeport, including access to international ports, shipping connectivity, and integration with major Southeast Asian trade and logistics networks.
Philippine WoodMac 2026 continues until May 9, offering industry players opportunities to build partnerships, exchange ideas, and explore innovations aimed at boosting the Philippines’ competitiveness in the global woodworking and furniture manufacturing market.