Design incubation program targets furniture makers

MANILA, Philippines - Some 20 furniture makers are expected to benefit from a design incubation program being implemented this year, the Chamber of Furniture Industries of the Philippines (CFIP) said.

CFIP executive director Salvio Valenzuela Jr. said in a telephone interview yesterday the design incubation program which is being implemented by the group in partnership with the Design Center of the Philippines, targets to have 20 companies engaged in the manufacture of furniture and furnishing products, as well as eight senior designers and eight junior assistants as participants for this year.

The program, which was first implemented last year, involves the upgrade of skills of furniture makers as well as development and creation of new designs that would set trends in the international scene.

Last year’s pilot program had 20 participating firms and their designs were displayed at the Manila FAME trade show held in March.

“We always say we are the creative destination in Asia. Our objective is to have globally competitive designs,” Valenzuela said.

He noted that participating companies will be able to develop their research and development capability.

 â€œAs for the designers, what we want is for them not just to follow trends, but to set the trends,” he added.

The program is not only expected to create a design pool in the country, but to also allow the industry to achieve higher export sales.

Under the CFIP’s roadmap submitted to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the local furniture industry aims to make the country the global design hub by 2030 and to become the number one furniture and furnishings exporter in the Southeast Asian region.