World-class Cebu exporter trains youths for employment

World-class Cebu exporter trains youths for employment
By Malou Mozo
Manila Bulletin
November 14, 2010

CEBU CITY, Philippines - An internationally acclaimed Cebuano furniture designer and exporter has announced that it has recently tapped out-of-school-youths as additional manpower in an effort to provide them with employment opportunities.

Kenneth Cobonpue, through his company, Interior Crafts of the Island Inc., and in coordination with Filo D' Oro Upholstery Subcontractor Development, has commissioned at least 10 out-of-school-youths, aged 16 to 24 years old, to produce his firm's upholstery requirements, the latest orders being those placed by RugNets owned by international fashion design icon, Giorgio Armani.

This special subcontracting system undertaken by Cobonpue is supported by the German Development Service (DED) in cooperation with the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) through the specified Strategic Corporate-Community Partnership (SCOPE).

At present, said 10 out-of-school-youths are housed at the Filo D' Oro mini-manufacturing center located in the property on which stands Cobonpue's ancestral house in Barangay Lahug, Cebu City.

The youths are taught how to sew and do customized upholstery required by Cobonpue's clients comprised of a number of name personalities around the world.

According to Eleoterio Bravo, Officer-in-Charge of Cobonpue's Filo D' Oro facility, the youths are endorsed by partner religious organizations, like Focolare and the ''Bukas Palad'' religious community.