The furniture industry is seeking the help of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Tourism (DoT) to facilitate their participation in the global furniture forum to showcase the country’s furniture products.

This was the appeal of Erwin Tan, chairperson of the Philippine International Furniture Show, which was unveiled on Thursday at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

“Our goal is to reposition the Philippine furniture industry back not only in the domestic but in the international stage. Our standing lagged for a while, especially during the pandemic. But to cope, we are introducing a lot of new materials and producing more talents for us to reposition back. We are known to be the Milan of Asia before because of the ingenuity and talents of our people,” Tan said.

He said that in repositioning the Philippines as a top furniture supplier globally, they must increase production and improve their exposure abroad through international shows.

“We can bring this show to Dubai, to Europe in Milan, the USA, that is why we need the support of the DTI and the DoT as it is not easy to bring our products to an international forum or shows,” he said.

Tan added that Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia remain the tough competitors for the country when it comes to exporting furniture products.

He mentioned that Philippine-made furniture is reaching as far as Brazil and other parts of Latin America.

Tan also revealed that 30 percent of the raw materials used in producing furniture in the country are imported, while the remaining 70 percent are locally sourced. He stated that they are facing challenges due to varying tariffs in importing countries.

“Also, other countries have stricter regulations and quality control, especially when we are importing high-grade materials,” he added.

 Other challenges facing the industry include the rising cost of doing business, the sourcing of raw materials, high power prices, and rising labor costs.

“That has always been a problem of the industry and we are coping somehow. The furniture industry remains a contributor to the country’s gross domestic product. But what is important is that more than the value, it’s the job that we produce for the Filipino workforce, as well as the empowerment that we bring to communities, particularly in Manila, Pampanga, and Cebu that have been producing one of a kind furniture products featuring the craftsmanship of Filipino talents,” Tan explained.

 This year’s Philippine International Furniture Show (PIFS) and Interior Design Manila (IDM), themed Philippines: An Archipelago of Design, will last until March 8, featuring a stunning array of premium items, including exquisite furniture, elegant lighting solutions, and sophisticated home décor.

PIFS is organized by Next One Now in collaboration with the Chamber of Furniture Industries of the Philippines (CFIP), Cebu Furniture Industries Foundation (CFIF), and Pampanga Furniture Industries Foundation (PFIF), and managed by Global-Link MP Events International Inc. IDM is organized by Global-Link MP with creative direction from the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers (PIID), for the benefit and support of the Ayala Foundation.