TO tighten measures against the unlawful exportation of raw rattan, including unprocessed rattan poles, the Bureau of Customs (BOC)-Cebu and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 agreed to install additional “safety nets” in the current export clearance process.

These safety nets include close monitoring of rattan shipments through a joint inspection to be conducted by both agencies.

According to BOC-Cebu, this is also to protect the local furniture and furnishing export industries in Central Visayas.

Port of Cebu Acting District Collector Atty. Charlito Martin R. Mendoza met with DENR 7 Executive Director Paquito D. Melicor Jr. last week to finalize these measures. (NRC)