European Chamber, CFIF open materials library

CEBU, Philippines - To help students and those in the furniture and design business, the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines in partnership with the Cebu Furniture Industries Foundation recently launched the first-ever materials library in the country at the CFIF Information Centre in Jagobiao, Mandaue City.

This effort was made in accordance to their objective to help promote the industry and help those venturing in the business.

ECCP Executive vice-president Henry Schumacher said that this project is a “dream that has become reality” which is their way of helping design-oriented industries.

With the funding support of CFIF through the export development council, he said that creativity of the Filipinos would be given importance and more of what the industry would be presented.

“We need to widen the use of traditional materials by taking advantage of new and innovative materials and technologies for the architects, artists, designers and product developers,” he added.

The materials library exhibits actual swatches used for design as well as existing materials of CFIF and also open for products from companies willing to supply materials that they use. Materials from Asian suppliers are also open for exhibit. It showcases various indigenous and innovative materials.

Ingrid Haufe, Materials Research and Development Manager explained that the materials library is intended to exhibit and promote the use of materials not harmful to the environment since they aim to “sustain a physical and electronic information system that is mainly focused on eco-friendly materials.”

Aside from this, Haufe said that they have and will continue doing seminars for those interested in the industry in further looking for eco-friendly swatches and also for students since they have collaborated with different schools in Cebu.

Further, CFIF President Eric Casas also stressed the importance of the facility aside from their efforts in their Design and Product Development Program which is also aimed on design and product innovations and sustaining the position of Cebu in the design and furniture sector.

He explained that part of the DPDP is the design mentoring program, materials manipulation and the student internship program. Apart from this, the Cebu Furniture Exhibition will also be taking place this August 13 in Waterfront Hotel Lahug that will again be showcasing some of the finest furniture in Cebu.

Department of Science and Technology Regional Director Rene Burt Llanto, whose office have been a partner of CFIF and the ECCP in the promotion of the furniture and design industry, acknowledged the need of such facility and do more research and development for the growth of the sector which is helping a lot of livelihood of residents of the region.

“We need to have this as support to creativeness,” he added.