DTI, Design Center form pool of designers for CV
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI-7) in partnership with Design Center of the Philippines, has identified 21 designers in the region to vanguard the design edge of Central Visayas.
Of the 21 designers selected all over the region, 13 of whom are based in Cebu, said DTI-7 regional director Asteria Caberte.
These designers who will undergo intensive and rigorous training from global design experts commissioned by Design Center of the Philippines will be made available for companies, especially exporters whose companies need to constantly edge up their design capabilities.
According to Caberte, DTI is allocating about half a million for this particular program to safeguard Cebu and the rest of the region’s niche in design.
Cebu and the rest of the region is primarily capitalizing its design advantage in fighting the fierce competition in the world market.
“This is just the beginning and a small part of the bigger plan,” Caberte said explaining further that DTI in partnership with several institutions will be introducing programs that will support the design capability of the region.
Over the years, Caberte said in the agency’s interaction with micro, small and medium entrepreneurs, the need for good creative people, particularly in design capabilities has been the top need.
This pool of designers, however can be tapped by companies, Caberte said.
Furniture makers, fashion accessories exporters, gifts and houseware or home furnishing manufacturers can avail of this pool of designers to advance their competitive edge in design.
Caberte added that Cebu’s and the rest of the region’s sustaining edge why exporters are thriving amid intense competition is “because of our niche in design.”
“We continue to build up our design capabilities,” Caberte vowed.