The Philippines, as part of its commitment to the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO), attends the ongoing 61stSession of the International Tropical Timber Council (ITTC) and Associated Session of the Committees in Panama City, Panama.

The International Tropical Timber Council (ITTC) is the governing body of the ITTO. The ITTC, which meets annually, is supported by four committees, which provide advice and assistance to the Council on issues for consideration and decision on: Economics, Statistics and Markets (CEM); Reforestation and Forest Management (CRF); Forest Industry (CFI); and Finance and Administration (CFA). 

For this year’s session, the ITTC is focusing on the discussion of the report of the Preparatory Working Group on the ITTA, 2006; presentation of the ITTO Biennial Work Programme for 2026-2027; implementation of the new financing architecture of the ITTO, Phase II; discussion of the global timber market analysis; and promotion of partnerships with organizations and other stakeholders.

The Philippines belongs to the producer group of countries, along with other developing member countries of the ITTO, and also currently sits as the Chair of the CEM and CFI. On 27 October 2025, the Philippines chaired the 59th Joint Session of the CEM/CFI wherein key discussions on new and ongoing projects and pre-projects; reports on completed projects; and projects for ex-post evaluations were highlighted. The 59th Joint Session of the CEM/CFI will resume on 29 October 2025 to discuss the strategic policy activities of CEM/CFI which shall be included in its Biennial Work Programme of the CEM/CFI for 2026-2027.

ITTC61 is convening until 31 October 2025 to reinforce international cooperation, enhance sustainable management of tropical forests, and ensure the alignment of timber production with global environmental objectives.