How furniture industry contributes to PH economy

MANILA – The Philippine economic growth has raised most of its sectors, one of which is the ever-growing furniture industry.

With real estate developments popping up around the country, there has also been an increase in proliferation and promotion of Filipino-made products both locally and globally.

According to the Chamber of Furniture Industries of the Philippines, the sector has given its fair share of economic contributions.

In 2014, the furniture industry was able to create nearly 2 million jobs.

It has also given assistance to communities in the various regions where materials come from, and is considered one of the top exports of the country.

“It’s very important to support local talent because we are known as the Milan of Asia. The creativity of the people is being nourished in the Philippines, and the special skills from the grassroots level up to the higher level—these all contribute to the economy,” said Salvio Valenzuela, executive director of the Chamber of Furniture Industries of the Philippines, on ANC's "On The Money."

The industry, however, has also faced several stumbling blocks that have hindered its growth.

One of the issues that affected the sector is the congestion in Manila ports, which handicapped delivery of products around the country. The port congestion also raised costs of trucking services.

The disruption in electricity also affected local production.

Valenzuela said side from product development, getting to know those in the industry as well as finding avenues to find products is a good way to help furniture businesses.

“We, in partnership with government, are helping all the SMEs in the furniture industry in terms of basic manufacturing, product development, and in marketing, so we will able to continue the production line and offer products globally that are acceptable in international standards,” he said.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

How Seda hotel is boosting PH furniture industry

MANILA, Philippines - A homegrown boutique hotel chain is fast becoming a showcase for the work of Philippine furniture companies and Filipino designers such as Kenneth Cobonpue and Anne Pamintuan.

Seda hotels, which are under Ayala Land Hotels and Resorts, are now becoming known for their contemporary interiors.

Described by an Asian travel and trade industry expert as an “affordable luxury” brand, Seda now has hotels in Bonifacio Global City, Cagayan de Oro City, Davao City and Nuvali in Laguna.

Aspiring to be the leading Filipino hotel brand highlighting the best of Philippine hospitality in prime urban locations, Seda is also naturally inclined to showcase the works of Philippine furniture makers, many of whom have made a name abroad.

These well-made furniture pieces are now in 665 rooms in the four Seda hotels. By 2019, they will be in at least 1,900 more hotel rooms of Seda, which is projecting to open at least six more hotels in Metro Manila, Palawan and Iloilo City.

Seda’s expansion plans have been welcomed by high-end local furniture makers.

Furniture makers in Cebu, Pampanga and Manila are now seeing an increasing volume of local business from Seda and other expanding hotel chains.

Eileen Escobido, AyalaLand Hotels and Resorts project development head, said the Philippines is known to produce furniture that matches the quality delivered by other key regional players like Malaysia and China.

"In addition to exceptional and consistent service and a great location in an Ayala Land mixed-use community, our brand DNA includes quietly elegant and sophisticated surroundings that make use of straight, clean lines and contemporary design. We’re happy that our Filipino furniture suppliers have the capability and craftsmanship to meet our requirements and achieve that ambiance," she said.

Escobido said guests have praised the locally-made beds now available in its hotel rooms.

"They hold their own against the branded beds used by international hotels here and abroad," she said.

Seda also designed its hotels so that the guest experience will basically be the same whether one is in the Nuvali or Davao property.

Guest satisfaction with the brand is illustrated by its high repeat rate of 50 percent. Seda was being recently named the “Philippines’ Leading Hotel Group” in 2014 by the 21st World Travel Awards in New Delhi, India, besting other Filipino brands.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com