GTH exporters suffer P10-M loss

DAMAGES wrought by destructive monsoon rains to handicraft and holiday décor and gifts export businesses were expected to have reached at least P8 million to P10 million.

The actual losses from flooding that submerged many areas in Luzon, including Metro Manila, can be higher as most company owners have not yet made their assessment on the extent of damage.

Dennis Orlina, president of the Philippine Chamber of Handicraft Industries, Inc., said stocks of raw materials and packaging materials were severely damaged when floods hit their warehouse factories.

He said the factories are located in Pampanga, Cainta, Taytay and Antipolo.

“The flooding also caused work stoppage. And we have to pay more now to do some rework,” Orlina said, adding that workers have to do overtime work to meet delivery deadlines.

With the present situation, Orlina urged handicraft companies to participate more in local trade fairs, particularly in the Buy Pinoy Exporters' Fair slated this week.

“This is an opportunity for them to recover a bit their losses,” he said.

Nora Halili Lao, Federation of Philippine Exporters trustee for the holiday decor and giftwares sector, said the continuous rains forced some companies to suspend production.

“These have huge effects on exporters, especially those with shipments. In fact, three firms were not able to ship because of the floods,” she said.

Meanwhile, a micro enterprise involved in fruit processing said has become cautious about venturing into exports due to climate change and the fluctuating raw material prices.

“Fruit-bearing trees were adversely affected (by the floods). I might not be able to get enough raw material to meet orders,” said Lourdes Labrador, president of Castillejos Agri-Farm Inc. (Philexport News and Features)