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Manila,
Luzon
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More
Information
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The importance of the
local industries
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The traditional,
local industries are very important for employment for many persons. Next to
that, all together they have importance for export income too. The local
industries produce music instruments and all kinds of handicrafts
and furniture. The products find their destination in shops on the
national market as well as via export in shops in foreign countries. |
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Local industries
The province of Cebu is especially
well known because of the production of locally handmade acoustic guitars,
bandurrias (Filipino mandolins), banjos and ukuleles. Already for
generations the Cebuanos have been making quality guitars. The guitar
makers are considered to be among the world's finest craftsmen. Maribago
on Mactan island, is the center of Cebu's guitar-making industry. Here you
can watch the craftsmen at work.
The production process of guitars
One
craftsman is responsible for the entire production process of a
guitar. This way of production process is the best guarantee for the
utmost perfection and quality of the guitars. Approximately one month is
needed to complete one guitar.
Click the pictures to enlarge!
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Modern
industries
Not
only the traditional local industries are very important for employment
and export income.
Most important for a sustainable economic growth and employment
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is the presence of modern export industries. The relevance of foreign
investors in the export-industries in Cebu City (and Mactan island) is evident. On the top of the list of relevant
export products in this region are
semiconductors, electronic watches, electrical equipment, cameras and furniture.
The largest foreign markets
are the USA and Japan. "Total
export sales in this region exceeded $2.0 Billion in 1998, representing close to 7% of
the total
Philippine exports. The exports are increasing with a average growth rate of
more than 12% over the past five years" (Source:
.DTI Cebu)
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The
new Mactan Bridge
Part of the urban area of Cebu City is Mactan Island, a small but
economically very important island on the east side of the main island.
The nation's second largest airport is located on Mactan Island. The
daily traffic to and from Mactan island to the urban area of Cebu needed
two bridges.
The newest bridge, with a total length of 1,010 km span across the Mactan
channel, was opened in August 1999. From then on the problem of the queues
from Cebu island to Mactan island belonged to the past. |
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The
new Mactan Bridge |
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Pictures:
Cebu-City.ph(R) Bridge
Cities(L) |
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