European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) is undertaking a project in Bohol to making indigenous fibers an export commodity whose buyers include upscale European furniture companies and big name fashion houses, a move that may generate millions of pesos in revenues for the local weaving industry.

"We have a project in Bohol to teach traditional weaving techniques to the weavers there and to a younger set, so that the products can be utilized by high-end names in fashion and in furniture," said Martial Beck, ECCP vice president and general manager.

The project, started in March 2013, seeks to revive the weaving communities of Tubigon, Bohol, an area severely affected by the 7.2­magnitude earthquake that hit the area in October last year.

The project received assistance from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through the Shared Services Facility Program, which provided the looms, technical equipment, consultant fees and training of the weavers.

Information from the ECCP said the DTI released P250,000 to the ECCP for the Tubigon Raffia Export Development Program for two major components: the establishment of a business model, and product and materials development.

The project beneficiary is the Tubigon Loomweavers Multipurpose Cooperative (TLMPC).

As a counterpart, the Tubigon local government unit released a P2­million fund for the expansion of the building and production area of the TLMP production center.

The ECCP also enlisted the help of French designer Francis Dravigny as a project and design consultant, also in coordination with interested buyers from Europe.

Beck said the finished textiles have a ready market in Europe, naming three particularly renowned fashion brands specifically interested in the finished textiles. Beck said, however, that for now, the names of the fashion brands have to be kept in confidence.

Beck also said the volume of the textile exports cannot be pegged down at the moment, but assured that even with a low volume, the exports are considered high-valued products that will be used in big­ticket projects such as luxury residences and hotels. ;

"We are reviving the industry, as well as the skills for the younger generation. The export revenue for this project may run in the millions of pesos in the coming years," Beck said.

Source: Business Mirror, 17 April 2014