Enterprise study of handmade paper businesses in Catanduanes

Date

2004

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management

College

College of Economics and Management (CEM)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Ascan, Tricia C.

Abstract

Handmade paper industry is one of the top dollar earners among the other handicraft industries primarily because the majority of its buyers comes from the foreign market. This industry is also in great advantage because it goes with the new trend in the world market. That is, the move towards a more environment-friendly products. It requires knowledge for artistry and oftentimes reflects cultures and traditions of a country. Its product usually includes accessories, utility items, home decors, novelty items and other items for personal use. Handicraft is a labor-intensive industry that helps in bringing down the unemployment rate especially in the rural areas. The main objective of this study is to come up with the profile of the handmade paper industry and to assess its economic contribution to the local economy of catanduanes. It also gives importance to the factors that affects the handmade paper enterprise as environmental, Technological, economic, social and competitive factors needed to achieve survival and growth in the business. It furthers gives emphasis to the production and marketing strategies to the entrepreneurs. Moreover, it discussed about the problem that they underwent and solutions that they adapted as well as their future plans. The study was conducted in Catanduanes. Data gathering includes the distribution of questionnaire and personal interviews with the handmade paper producer and converters. Also, it uses the information posted by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Fiber Industry Development Authority (FIDA). Federation of Handmade Papermakers and Converters (FEHPA) and Center of International Trade and Exposition Mission (CITEM) in the Internet. After analyzing the gathered data, the researcher came up with the following conclusion. First, the contribution of the enterprises to the local economy is basically accounted to the employment generated by the business, thus help in decreasing the number of unemployed in the locality. Second, the primary factors that affect the operation of the business were the availability of the raw materials needed in the production of the paper, unavailability of the chemical substance used in the paper production, and the unavailability of new technology in paper production and conversion as well as lack of skilled workers limits the capacity of the producers and converters to produce voluminous orders. Third, lack of sufficient promotional activities results to limited market. In order to reach their local outlets. some of them also supply handicrafts stores in Metro Manila and even in Hawaii. The study revealed that enterprises have a difficulty in acquiring financial support from lending institutions due to slow income return. And since this industry has a good potential in penetrating the world market, it is recommended that the government support be disseminated properly so that the handmade paper producers and converters will be able to use fully the support offered by the government. It is recommended that the entrepreneurs should take advantage of the availability of the major raw material, abaca; and acquire storage facilities. They should also improve production system and condition of working area. It is also recommended that they intensify promotional activities to capture both local and export market. They should monitor cash flows and come up with a paying scheme to minimize delayed payments.

Language

English

Location

UPLB Main Library Special Collections Section (USCS)

Call Number

LG 993 2004 M17 A73

Document Type

Thesis

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