ECCP allocates P2 million for innovation center

CEBU, Philippines- The creative sector has been one of Cebu’s economic drivers and that entrepreneurs engaged in this industry must be supported to achieve their potential growth, a business group said.

The European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines believes that Cebu can further spur the development of its design sector, saying it has many talented and creative producers.

With the help of some government agencies, the ECCP has created the Materials Innovation Centre (Matic) in Cebu to showcase the indigenous products of Cebu producers in hope to promote sustainability and eco-friendly products.

ECCP Cebu business development officer Katrina Fernando said that Matic also aims to link native product makers with local suppliers of raw materials.

Fernando said interested suppliers can come to the Matic which opened last Friday, located in the S&T Complex of the Department of Science and Technology of Central Visayas in Banilad.

Currently, the products being displayed there come from local producers namely the Anthill Fabrics Gallery, Tubigon loom weavers in Bohol, Avatar Accessories, Cebu Interlace Weavers Corp and Earthworks. For the second quarter, Matic has a fabric-inspired display. In the next quarter, bamboo-made products will also be displayed.

The centre, she said, is under the chamber’s Materials R+D (research and development) Program that aims to establish linkage between materials suppliers and design experts and access to technology suppliers.

ECCP said there is a need to shore up the small and medium enterprises engaged in producing furniture and fashion accessories.

It said that promoting the creativity and competitiveness of design industries can be done through innovation of indigenous materials, manipulation of new materials, use of efficient technology and reinvention of designs.

In the Philippines creative industries may include crafts, design, culinary arts, heritage activities, performing arts, architecture, music, film, among others.

In an interview, DOST-7 Director Edilberto Paradela said that in order for Cebu to compete globally, it has to develop its own niche especially in the creative sector which it has been known for.

The available local materials used for the production of native products also support the export industry, he said.

He revealed the agency initially gave P2 million for the Matic's development. He said ECCP is asking another round of funding to cost about P1 million for the expansion of the project which the trade department also supports.  (FREEMAN)