Subic Bay Freeport – More than 3,000 licensed professional foresters from all over the country took part in the Society of Filipino Foresters, Inc.’s 2023 National Conference held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) on Thursday.
The five-day conference, which started on Wednesday, kicked off with a Forestry Exhibit Opening and the SFFI National Council Meeting. The national conference coincided with the group’s 75th Founding Anniversary.
SFFI National Council President Atty. Roberto Oliva welcomed the more than 3,000 participants. “My warmest greetings to all the hard-working professional Foresters all over the country on the occasion of our 75th (diamond) anniversary and the 2023 Annual Society of Filipino Foresters, Inc. convention here at the historic landmark Subic Bay Naval Base now Subic Bay Freeport Zone here in Olongapo,” he said.
During the second day of the convention, an Entrance of Colors, Regional and National Councils, as well as Guests of Honors paraded at the SBECC. President Oliva led the parade along with SFFI Region 3 Council President Laudemir Salac, Assistant Secretary for Western Mindanao and Forest Management Bureau Director Arleigh Adorable, and SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Regulatory OIC Amethya Dela Llana.
Plenary sessions will include topics such as How the Country can attain self-sufficiency in wood and non-timber products, The Need for the Forestry Sector to Contribute to the National Economy, Redifining the role of Foresters, Activities needing RPF signature and seal volve foresters, Special skills that would a forester world-class, and Alternative livelihood for foresters.
According to Forester Patrick Escusa, “We are all here to advocate Wood and Non Timber Forests Sufficiency and Climate Resiliency. We want to bring back the pride of the Philippine forestry industry wherein the Philippine forest managed by Filipino foresters is the source of the best lumber not just for our country but also for the international market.”
Assistant Director Laudemir Äudi” Salac who is overall chairman for the 2023 conference also stressed lumber from our dipterocarp trees were branded as the Philippine Mahogany in the export industry.
He added that Subic Bay is the best venue for their 7th anniversary and 2023 national conference because of it is where the well managed Subic Bay Forest and National Park is situated.