Expo showcases Cebu’s export quality products

CEBU, Philippines — Manufacturers of export quality products in Cebu are making noise "to tell the world that we are still here."

Members of the Cebu Furniture Industries Foundation Inc., (CFIF), Fashion Accessories Manufacturers and Exporters (FAME Cebu), Gifts, Toys and Housewares Exporters Foundation Inc. (Cebu-GTH), in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) are now doing a 12-day exhibit dubbed "The Chambers: The Cebu Project,” an exhibit that showcases Cebu’s best export quality products at the SM City Cebu.

"We are making noises now. We want to communicate to the world that we are still here,” said DTI 7 Director Asteria Caberte.

This is the major action made by the surviving exporters who managed to sustain their businesses during the long lean season they have experienced over the years due to weak market and tough competition.

The event, which started in Manila last year, during the 66th edition of Manila FAME, the country’s premier lifestyle and design event, held at the World Trade Center Metro Manila last Oct. 20 to 22, is also mounted in Cebu to bring back the iconic "Cebu X" exhibition, which was affected by the changing market dynamics in the last few years.

“This is a sequel, the first time was in Manila," Caberte said.

“We are starting to bounce back. We can feel it now. We’ve mounted this exhibit to maintain market presence," said Caberte adding that holding this kind of event during Sinulog season is the best time to get the attention of diverse markets — from local to international customers.

The Chambers: The Cebu Project, was officially opened last January 10 at the SM Northwing and will run until the 22nd of this month.

There are 25 exporters showcasing their products to the market, from furniture, home accents to fashion accessories.

Caberte believes that export marketing is closely tied up with tourism. Promoting Cebu as a brand would already include its best products, and furniture, home accents and fashion accessories are the top products closely associated with Cebu.

"We work together for one Cebu brand--the product and the place," stressed Caberte.

The exhibit is curated and experiential setting showcases the beautiful and world class objects designed by Cebu’s talents, which combine innovative materials, exacting artisanal techniques and the latest in digital manufacturing.