Hot logs turned into armchairs

MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Customs (BOC) donated Tuesday P26 million worth of smuggled lumber to the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to produce armchairs for various public schools in the country. Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon said the contraband from Davao City were apprehended by Customs operatives in four separate raids last March, April and June at the Subport of North Harbor at the Manila International Container Port (MICP). He said the confiscated lumber will be converted into 43,000 armchairs. “This undocumented lumber could help enhance the country’s education program, even as it will discourage illegal loggers to indulge in this environmental and life-threatening activity,” Biazon said. —Helen M. Flores