SouthCot wants jewelry-making in T’boli improved

SouthCot wants jewelry-making in T’boli improved
MindaNews / 10 April 2006

KORONADAL CITY — Soon, T’boli residents will add a new craft: jewelry-making using gold, for export.
At present, T’bolis make fine brassware and fancy jewelry. While they have been producing jewelry from gold, the product is “sub-standard” for the global market, said
Raymundo Pecajas, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) – South Cotabato officer in charge.

Improving the jewelry making in T’boli town is a concerted effort of the provincial and local governments, the DOST and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)

T’boli became a gold rush site in the early 1980s. Until now. small-time treasure hunters continue to flock to the area despite the recent ban imposed by the provincial on illegal gold mining activities there.

“If we can further improve the jewelry making industry in T’boli, we expect to generate the interests of many people to the town, thus enhancing the local tourism industry,” Pecajas said.

Early this year, in the state of the province address of Gov. Daisy Avance Fuentes, she vowed to develop the tourism industry of T’boli town by way of tapping its gold
resources.
 
Town officials also earlier declared jewelry making as their contribution to the “one town, one product” program pushed by the DTI.
 
Pecajas said he started looking for jewelry-making experts last week who would train T’boli residents, establishing contact with a group based in Mecauyan, Bulacan, reportedly the “jewelry capital” of the Philippines.
 
Pecajas said a comprehensive training lasting for about a month costs around P300,000 for the tools and training kits. “The amount excludes the professional fee for trainers,” he said.

Pecajas said the province earlier earmarked only about P25,000 for the training slated in July in time for the 40th foundation anniversary of South Cotabato and the 8th T’nalak festival.
 
He also said that they earlier thought the training could be done in one week.

Pecajas said he would seek additional funding, adding he would explain to provincial officials that the Bulacan group that would train has signified a one-month training would cost P300,000 exclusive of fees.
 
But Pecajas said he would look for another group if he can’t get additional budget for the training.

Fuentes said they are eyeing T’boli as a stopover destination for foreign and domestic tourists coming to scenic Lake Sebu town.
 
“We can only achieve this if we develop the jewelry making industry of T’boli,” she said.