CFIF initiates internship for design students

CEBU, Philippines - In its effort to boost the design advantage of Cebu’s furniture making industry, the Cebu Furniture Industries Foundation Inc. (CFIF) has embarked on an intensive training and mentorship program for design students in local universities.

CFIF yesterday announced that 21 students from the University of the Philippines Visayas Cebu College (UPVCC), and the University of San Carlos (USC) are getting lessons and hands-on training from top designers and furniture companies based in Cebu.

The training is part of the Students Internship Program (SIP) of CFIF.

The SIP aims to ensure the quality of fresh talents in the furniture industry design pool and to orient young designers about the needs of the furniture and furnishings industry.

It also strengthens the collaboration between the industry and the academe, enabling the latter to come up with lessons that match the needs of furniture companies.

Under the program, the students undergo internship in participating furniture companies where they develop designs with the guidance of company designers and their professors.

The students’ designs are then evaluated by host companies and prototypes of approved designs are then made.

Eleven companies, all members of CFIF, have agreed to participate in this year’s SIP.

Selected designs by the students are showcased in a special settings booth at the Cebu International Furniture and Furnishings Exhibition (CEBUNEXT) 2010, to be held this coming March 5 to 8 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

The design output shall likewise be entered in the Student Design category of the Mugna Awards competition, the annual design awards of the furniture show.

With growing global awareness on the environment and nature conservation, the SIP is focused on eco-friendly designs and sustainable raw materials.

This year’s SIP coincides with the direction of CEBUNEXT (formerly Cebu X), which is to promote sustainability and environmental consciousness.

CFIF members that have agreed to participate in this year’s SIP are Casa Cebuana, Coast Pacific, Finali, Interior Crafts of the Island, Kirsten International, Obra Cebuana, Pacific Traders, Sky Shine Furniture Designs, Stonesets International, Superior Eximport and Woven Furniture Designs.

Meanwhile, CFIF also earlier announced that it is preparing to widen its scope in discovering new and fresh ideas in home furnishing and furniture design, but linking with the "Creative City" campaign, initiated by the British Council.

"It's about time to beyond our own universe, there's so much creative people in Cebu," said CFIF consultant Ruby B. Salutan in an interview earlier.

Salutan said if these creative people will be pooled together and be tapped to contribute their talents to the ailing furniture sector, design capability of Cebu is expected soar, and ultimately find "victory" amid the depressed market demand. —Ehda M. Dagooc