At least 200 furniture makers in Bohol are feared to close up shop for failure to comply with requirements, including an environmental permit.

Other shops were found lacking a wood processing plant permit and an environmental clearance certificate.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has issued a stoppage order to the furniture makers.

Based on inspection conducted by the provincial government and the Department of Trade Industry (DTI), most of the shops in the towns of Sikatuna, Loboc, and Loay are small businesses.

These businesses reportedly find it difficult to comply with requirements because they would have to spend up to P100,000, even more.

The provincial government is now finding ways to help the furniture makers.

“Kasabot man gyud ta nga mao gyud na naa sa balaod mao nga dapat gyud siya i-comply, but at the same time, kinahanglan gyud ni siya nga naay policy review ug intervention gyud gikan sa province nga matabangan ang atong mga kaigsuonan nga naa sa wood furniture industry nga mapadayon gihapon ang ilang gamay nga negosyo,” said Board Member Jamie Aumentado Villamor who joined the inspection.

The shop owned by couple Cesario and Maria Violeta Budiongan in Loay closed in 2025. 

Among those issued a stoppage order is a furniture shop in Loboc town, which has been operating for 20 years. Its owner, Mario Bagot, said he does not know where else to get money for his family, for his eight children, should his shop close down. 

(Report by GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak)