Cebu-GTH reiterates call to ban the exportation of raw seashells

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Gifts, Toys and Housewares, Foundation Inc., (Cebu-GTH) has revived its advocacy in calling for government action on banning or eradicating the exportation of un-processed seashells especially to China.

Cebu-GTH president Ramir Bonghanoy said the organization already submitted similar request and position paper on this issue years back, but the group has decided to renew the appeal under the new administration.

Bonghanoy said the continuous exportation of raw seashells to China is hurting Filipino manufacturers, as they are suffering from shortage of supply, while the world market is improving.

The old position paper on this matter was backed by the PhilExport-Cebu, Bonghanoy said. This time, Cebu-GTH will again ask the help from PhilExport as well as the Export Development Council (EDC).

“I hope this problem of raw seashell exportation will be solved,” Bonghanoy said.

The Cebu export industry is requiring an average estimate of 10 to 12 tons of raw seashells every month.

If this problem will not be given a solution, Bonghanoy said the export industry, especially those that are heavy users of seashells will suffer from severe shortage.

In fact, because of this problem, Cebu-GTH and the Fashion Accessories Manufacturers and Exporters (FAME) are planning to launch a “Sea Shell Farming” program in order to sustain the supply of raw materials.

Bonghanoy said the Philippines should supposedly not suffer from this issue if the government was strict enough to monitor the exportation of raw seashells from the country.

Aside from killing the export manufacturing industry, the government will also lose potential revenue from this activity.

Bonghanoy hopes that the new set of officers under President Benigno Aquino III will seriously look into this matter.

Thus, Cebu-GTH will lead the reviving of the old position paper that has not been acted upon by the previous administrations.

While the establishment of Sea Shell Farming can help the exporters’ source good supply of sea-shells, banning the exportation of seashells to China in particular, would largely help the Filipino exporters, Bonghanoy said.

Because of improving market, the Cebu-GTH is projecting at least 20 percent growth this year, although last year the industry experienced one of the lowest growth performances over the years.— Ehda M. Dagooc (THE FREEMAN)