Status of the Furniture Industry in Ilocos Sur

Abstract

This study determined the status and economic aspects of the furniture-making industry of Ilocos Sur. It investigated the factors affecting the production and sale of Iloko furniture. Respondents of the study, chosen  through purposive sampling, were 44 furniture makers from the municipalities of San Vicente, Sta Catalina, Sto. Domingo and Narvacan. The survey was conducted from January to  March 2003. Results show that the major furniture products in locos Sur include chairs, gallenera, pillow racks, planters, and decorative products. Other products produced are sala sets, doors, beds, dining tables,cabinets/closets, rocking chairs, dividers and office tables. Most of the respondents revealed that the sale of their products is lower than in the past and are spending less than P20,000.00 for materials. The average monthly expenses of each ofthe furniture makers is P33,304.31. The average monthly sale of furniture products is P47,8654.85. The average monthly income is P14,561.54. Most of the respondents' income is P14,561.54. Most ofthe respondents claimed that income derived from furniture making is sufficient to sustain their families' needs. The major factor affecting the production and sale of products is competition in terms of quality, design, color and price. It is recommended that furniture-making as an industry should be preserved and developed with the assistance of government agencies. The quality of products priced reasonably should be a top consideration for those involved in the furniture industry.