Demand for yearbooks remains upbeat in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - Amid the popularity of social media such as Facebook, where people nowadays save and share their photos, graduates say the school yearbook remains a popular keepsake for them. 

Local printing press DMC Busa Printers still believes the demand for yearbooks in Cebu is relatively growing but the profit margin is decreasing.

The reason for this is competition among publication companies serving different colleges and universities for yearbook production every graduation season, said Diego C. Busa, the sales head of Busa Printers.

Busa noted the decrease can also be attributed to the percentage difference between the sales income and the cost of sales as they normally see and compare their rates with other printing shops to keep abreast of the pricing strategy.

Competition is normal as always in the business, Busa said, adding though that in the printing industry speed in production, on time delivery and quality are three important factors that keep customer’s confidence.

Modern machines and developments in the industry can also increase the market as the production can now be faster and assure a first-quality limited-edition yearbooks and other printed products, he explained to The  Freeman.

“Bisan asa ka quality may pangita-on sa tawo and mangita sab sila og good service,” he said. (Most often, customers would often prioritize good and quality and service.)

Printing shops usually start to get transactions with schools, both private and public, in November and December, months before the graduation season.

Busa also said the layout process of the book would take around one to two months while the printing stage can be done in less than two weeks with the help of digital printing.

“In some cases, most of our customers bring their own designs that are ready for printing,” he added.

The digital means also assures faster printing and allows them to print publications in less volume unlike the traditional way as it requires a huge quantity to print, he further said.

A yearbook’s price varies depending on the quality, number of pages, color (black and white or colored) and the school’s specific needs and budget.

Lifetime souvenir

Lawyer and professor Lecel R. Llamedo admitted that when she was in college she did not agree to have a yearbook but eventually she has realized it can become a significant thing in a person’s life.

“Significant wise, that is an embodiment of the memories in college or high school that one can view from time to time especially when you are in your old age and you begin to rekindle the moments in your college years,” Llamedo shared.

Jeffry Loyd Soriano, 22 year old, said the money that is spent for a yearbook is worth it because it can be used as a lifetime souvenir.

“It’s an important thing for me to treasure because it’s a book that has the tongue to say ‘I am one of the graduates of the degree Bachelor of Science in Marine Technology’,” smiled Soriano, who is a cum laude candidate at the University of Cebu-Marine Educational Training Center.

Meanwhile, Busa said he understands people especially parents to prioritize other needs of the family, a reason why others solicit money from friends, relatives and companies for yearbook publication.

“Well, I would consider this as a commodity, in way, for graduating students. Mahimo man gud ning handumanan sa imong kaagi sa school,” he said.  (This will serve as a treasure that will remind you of your school days.) (FREEMAN)