Monday, September 13, 2010

TABACO MSMEs INSPIRE SORSOGON PRODUCERS

News Release

PROVINCE OF SORSOGON (September 13) – Ten Handicraft producers of Sorsogon embarked on a Benchmarking Mission on August 31, 2010 to successful craft makers in Albay province.

Visited firms include RCB Crafts and Design, Nesscraft Philippine Industries, Sola’s Handicraft and the makers of bag handles, buttons, buckles and accessories, the Puenlabrada Handles and Accessories and Balance Handicraft, all located in Tabaco City.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Provincial Director Leah Pagao said, the one-day activity was considered highly beneficial to the participating Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) achieving its objectives of exposing the local firms to the industry practices of known and established handicraft companies.

“It inspired them to improve their own production and competencies to produce more competitive products, allowed them to forge business alliances with other local producers in terms of supply of raw materials and pre-fabricated components, as well as identified potential buyers and widen the market opportunities,” she added.

Pagao said that aside from its being an eye opener, it has also become productive particularly for Fulgosino’s Handicraft of Barcelona who got initial order for her “bacbac” ring bags from Nesscraft Philippine Industries amounting to P16,000.00.

Meanwhile, the companies visited by the group showed interest on Sorsogon products. “In fact, negotiations now are ongoing for the supply of coco shell necklaces, earrings and accessories to said Albay MSMEs,” said Pagao.

Among the firms in Sorsogon that participated in the negotiations were Biday’s Bagol Ini Handicraft of Bulan, Dinglasan Unique Woodworks of Sorsogon City, Irosin Woodworking of Irosin, Sanj Handicraft of Matnog, and five other micro entrepreneurs from the municipalities of Castilla, Donsol and Pilar that is being assisted by Intervida Philippines.

Pagao futher said that to enhance the capabilities of these firms, a technology transfer training was also identified specifically on the new “bayong” trends on coloring and shaping as well as processing of bacbac ring bags to ensure that the demand created by the Tabaco-based handicraft producers will be served according to schedules.

The group likewise visited the OKB (Orgullo Kan Bikol) Showroom in Legazpi City where they were able to acquire valuable inputs on the designs, functions and product presentations.

The activity was successfully accomplished through the collaborative effort of DTI-Sorsogon and Intervida Philippines. (JGMance & SCMalaya, DTI Sor/PIA)

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