FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
EMBARGOED UNTIL MAY 8, 2026
SUBIC BAY FREEPORT ZONE – The Philippine Wood Producers Association (PWPA) officially opens the PhilWood Expo & Conference 2026 today, May 08, 2026 at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC). Integrated within the Philippine Wood Mac tradeshow running from May 7 to 9, this landmark event is Co-presented by Rizome.
Under the theme “FROM FOREST TO FUTURE: Revitalizing the Philippine Wood Industry for the Next Generation,” the conference serves as a strategic platform for industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to address the growing demand for sustainable, low-carbon building materials in the Philippines.
A Convergence of Experts
The conference features a high-level lineup of speakers who are at the forefront of their respective fields:
- ASEC Atty. Felix S. Alicer: previously served as the DENR Regional Executive Director for Region XII (SOCCSKSARGEN) ASEC Alicer outlines the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)‘s long-term goals for the forestry sector. His keynote focuses on policy reforms designed to strengthen the country’s forestry industry through sustainable management and responsible resource utilization.
- Russel Smith, CEO & Co-Founder of Rizome: A leader in bamboo innovation, Smith will discuss “The Carbon-Smart Building with Engineered Bamboo.” He will highlight how engineered bamboo serves as a high-performance, regenerative alternative to traditional timber, capable of sequestering significant carbon while providing sustainable livelihoods.
- Arch. William Ti, Founder of WTA Architecture and Design Studio: Known for his advocacy for social architecture, Arch. Ti will explore “The Role of Wood in Future Building Construction and Design,” showcasing how timber can support the shift toward more inclusive, human-centric urban spaces.
- Ben Mead, Founder & CEO of United Agarwood: Representing United Agarwood Planters Inc. (UAPI), Mead will present on the development of the high-value agarwood industry as a transformative agroforestry opportunity for the Philippines.
Industry Impact
The event is integrated with the inaugural Philippine WoodMac 2026 Exhibition, the nation’s first trade event dedicated exclusively to the wood and furniture value chain. With the Philippine wood and furniture sectors targeting an export goal of $3 billion by 2033, the expo highlights critical innovations in woodworking machinery, sustainable materials like plywood and MDF, and emerging green building technologies.
Major industry players including Matimco, Inc, Rising Sun Wood Products, Santa Clara, Filtra, Genmart Wood Development, Consummare, are also featured at the PWPA Pavilion, showcasing premium solutions that balance durability with environmental responsibility.
For media inquiries, please contact:
The Philippine Wood Producers Association (PWPA)
Email: philwoodexpo.pwpa@gmail.com
Phone: 0917 828 2094
Facebook: facebook.com