Market expansion of Bataan broom making industry seen

BALANGA CITY, Bataan – An overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who was employed in a computer embroidery plant in South Korea for more than a decade sees the application  of modern technology and strategic marketing scheme  to attain  a more efficient and effective multi-purpose cooperative would lead further for the successful revenue earning broom making industry in Barangay Mabatang, Abucay town .

A well established and professionally managed broom making structure would provide a permanent source of livelihood to the residents through the preparation of a marketing program to penetrate greater markets not only in Luzon but also the Visayas and Mindanao areas.

The multi-million broom making industry has become the household occupational task of the residents of Mabatang which plays a vital role to its sustainable economic prosperity goal.

George Ramos, a native of Davao City and a marketing graduate of University of Mindanao has predicted great potential of the top quality local broom products to break into the huge markets of Cebu, Tagbilaran, and Davao cities.

Top quality and durable brooms manufactured in Mabatang, the birthplace of Tomas Pinpin, the great Prince of Filipino Printer are uniquely handcrafted by the residents to conform the meticulous design requirements of consumers.

Mr. Ramos met his wife Josephine from Barangay Mabatang while working in the same manufacturing plant in South Korea and reportedly planning to put up a viable marketing outlet for broom products.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provincial office in Bataan explained broom making as one of the oldest industries in the province and has been existing for more than 50 years.

According to Ms. Nelin O. Cabahug, DTI provincial director, the industry ranks  third  to fishing and farming as a source of livelihood of around 35 percent of the population  of Mabatang  registered among the most progressive villages in the province.

Seeing  the enormous capability of the industry,  Ms. Cabahug has endorsed the household broom to Philippine Design Center for product development  and evaluation to be able to expand their markets however, enhancement of the facility such as upgrading of the tools and equipment  used in broom making  and other souvenir items are needed in the modern processing aspect.

The DTI provides procurement cost of equipment and equally necessary manufacturing tools   worth P 191,500 under its shared service facility program to become more competitive in the broom making industry.