Butuan City is set to reawaken a vital chapter in its economic and cultural history with the formal designation of a Wood Processing Economic Zone (WPEZ)—a strategic inclusion in the city’s newly adopted Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP). More than a zoning decision, this move represents a meaningful step toward revitalizing the industry that once shaped generations of families, livelihoods, and local enterprise.
In the 1950s and beyond, Butuan’s logging industry stood at the heart of regional progress. It laid the economic foundation for countless households and established business dynasties that helped shape the city’s identity. Mills, trucks, riverside depots, and timber yards were more than just operations—they were symbols of a thriving local economy powered by the hard work of everyday Butuanons.
Today, through the WPEZ, Butuan is creating a modern, regulated environment for wood-based enterprises—one that acknowledges the past while aligning with today’s standards of sustainability and value creation. The zone aims to support downstream industries such as engineered wood, furniture manufacturing, and design innovation, with a focus on responsible sourcing and long-term resource stewardship.
Critically, the location of this economic zone near the developing Masao Seaport positions Butuan as a competitive logistics and export hub for Mindanao-based wood products. For businesses and families whose legacy is tied to this industry, the possibilities are expansive—ushering in renewed relevance for long-standing knowledge, networks, and community capital.
