PRODUCTION AND TECHNOLOGY
RAW MATERIALS/ COMPONENTS
| STRENGTH | WEAKNESS | OPPORTUNITY | THREAT |
| Meycauayan supplies 30% of the loose stones requirement of the Philippine Jewelry Sector | Inadequate skills and technology in proper cutting of gemstone/metals. (Laser Cutting / Welding) – | Abundant supply of gold & silver in the Philippines.Availability of Pearls in the Philippines.Presence of many local and international traders of gold, silver, diamonds, pearls, precious and semi-precious stones, tools, machineries and equipment needed by jewelry manufacturersProliferation of process stones/cheaper substitutes stones in the market like Moissanite, cubic zirconia, and Laboratory Made Diamond that exactly has the chemical properties of a diamond, etc.Development of raw materials like lahar gem (technology available ) /jade/quartz in Zambales, Mindoro, Surigao).Simplified gold buying procedures of BSP and availability of gold buying/loan scheme for MJIA members through Philippine Business Bank | Inadequate domestic supply for wire, sheets and tubes in different forms and different karats Low labor cost in China and India.Asean Economic CommunityJewellers with Digital Market are Competitors |
PRODUCTION AND TECHNOLOGY
MANAGEMENT/ WORKERS/ ADMINISTRATIVE
| STRENGTH | WEAKNESS | OPPORTUNITY | THREAT |
| Has large pool of workers who are skilled, creative, trainable and familiar with other cultures who could be easily trained to become world class workers Have workers / employee welfare system like SSS, Philhealth, Insurance, hospitalization, etc. Has owners who are good entrepreneurs with second generation professional members of the family Presence of Meycauayan Jewelry Making Training Center (Proposed center of Excellence by TESDA) that provides manpower support to needs of industry. Course offering of Bachelor of Science in Commerce major in Jewelry Technology that started July 2000 by University of Carmeli. MJMTC is already an accredited Trade Testing Office by TESDA. Because of this, it is now easy to determine and establish the level of skills of workers / measure and establish level of performance / employers can demand proof of proficiency of worker they are hiring. Modern Technology transfer through OFW jewelry workers in lieu of foreign consultants (reversal of brain drain) Has Code of Ethics Spirituality in the workplace–value formation for workers/staff Adequate database of unscrupulous elements like swindlers & bad workers MJIA started conducting Computer Aided Design MJIA is a recipient of a Set of Latest Jewelry Equipment. It is a SSF for Fine Jewelry: Over Pressure Casting Machine with Matrix Computer Aided Program Design Program w/Jewelry Design connected to a Computer & 40” TV monitor Php 4,458,808 | Low level of productivity of workers due to insufficient productivity training programInadequate pool of supervisorsInadequate modern management skill – Low values/work ethics among workers/staff –Owners do not prioritize training of workers and administration IT skills underdeveloped and under utilized Inadequate quality control personnel in manufacturing shops Inadequate retraining of workersVery few manufacturers do not invest in modern tools machineries and equipmentsVery few manufacturers invest in computer aided design and manufacturing Inadequate training on quality standards MJIA do not patronize SSF OF MJIA | Jewelry is one of the growth/priority industries of the Municipal GovtAvailability of training programs for managers, supervisors, and personnel from government (e.g. TESDA, DOLE, and DTI) and other NGO (e.g. Philexport)TESDA’s program thrust in the jewelry sector includes: 1. Skills development program directed towards developing new products concepts and improving product design 2. Providing support assistance in the establishment of training centers and also the provision of other training support services such as training technology development and trainees trainingAvailability of IT Technologies for marketing, design, services for connectivity and applications Reaccreditation with TESDA Interest of Course Offering of PWU, Marymount College, and Centro Escolar University- Malolos Bulacan Branch and PCCM of Meycauayan China has low level of quality of products & hard to deal with. USAID is bent to help in the Development of Jewelry Industry in the Phil DOST is also bent to hel the jewelry industry In fact DOST has identified some problems of the jewelry industry in a forum conducted by the. They learned that these issues and concerns are related to each other. From these information, they initially identified three areas we should focus to improve our jewelry industry’s competitiveness:a) Education b) Modern manufacturing technologies c) Testing and analysis | Migration of trained managers/ workers/ administrative staff to other parts of the Philippine and of the world (more outgoing that incoming OFW)Asean Integration CommunityYou have to be a member of an environmental association sometimes to get order.Some buyers require companies to be ISO certified |
PRODUCTION AND TECHNOLOGY
ORGANIZATION OF PRODUCTION/PROCESSING/ASSEMBLY/FINISHING/PACKAGING
| STRENGTH | WEAKNESS | OPPORTUNITY | THREAT |
| Level of technology is higher than all provinces in the Philippines – new machinePresence of Meycauayan Jewelry Making Training CenterAssistance from partner GOs and NGO’sPresence of Philippine Jewelry Center (a Common Service Facility)Presence of highly creative and artistic manpower/ artisans concentrated in Meycauayan – to discuss laterPresence of majority of manufacturing firms that provide a strong base for greater production – common service facilitiesA member is an expert in CAD who is willing to transfer knowledge to other members. | Level of Production technology is lower than Asian Countries – Low level of productivityPackaging research and development is not in progress. Lack of packaging designs .Inadequate knowledge of Platinum and Other Metals in Jewelry Making TechnologyInadequate program and facilities for sustainable development (waste management, pollution control, etc.) No common area for creative work in design and innovation. | Funds and technical assistance from foreign and local funding agencies24 Philippine National Standard (PNS ) on Jewelry from Bureau of Product Standards that boost the marketing of jewelry products because of increase level of confidenceAvailability of software program for design- matrix 7Presence of packaging institute.Presence of Polytechnic University of Meycauayan Bulacan. | Inadequacy of good local consultants for the fine jewelry in design Asean Economic CommunityExpiry of the Usufruct Agreement between the Provincial Gov’t of Bulacan and MJIA. last 2020. |
PRODUCTION AND TECHNOLOGY
DESIGN / PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
| STRENGTH | WEAKNESS | OPPORTUNITY | THREAT |
| Presence of talented designers that can be trained to produce innovative designs – organize this yearOffering of Bachelor of Science in Commerce major in Jewelry Technology (temporary stopped)Rich jewelry design traditionFamiliarity with designs of USA, Europe and Japan as well as oriental designs due to exposure to international trends thus increasing their competitiveness in the world market.Conduct of yearly Philippine Jewelry Design Jewelry Competition in partnership with the Provincial Gov’t of Bulacan and Municipal Gov’t of Meycauayan. (now 19 years). and the longest running PFJDC in the Phil.Filipino craftsmanship and designs are also competitive in the world market. Two Filipino designers from MJIA were given recognition in International Awards.New breed of jewelry designers as a result of yearly conduct of jewelry design competition | Inadequate designer’s knowledge on jewelry designs for target marketsUnorganized jewelry designers.Inadequate IT technology for design (CAD)Upgrading of knowledge on production cost analysis . | Compared to Costume jewelry, the fine jewelry is much less influenced by fashion trends, hence designs last much longerAvailability of funding from foreign NGO for jewelry design consultancies (LGU , DOST, USAID,etc)Silver is very in demand in the world market | Local jewelry industry is not competitive Other Asian countries can copy designs faster than Filipino jewelersOther countries train and educate thousands of designersAsean Economic IntegrationStainless Jewelry is very in demand in the world marketDigital Marketing |
MARKETING AND PROMOTION
| STRENGTH | WEAKNESS | OPPORTUNITY | THREAT |
| Presence of Philippine Jewelry CenterPresence of many channels of distribution who want to tie up with Meycauayan Jewelry Industry Assn., Inc.Participation of MJIA in various local and international trade fairs eg HKIJFOrganization of MJIA of a yearly design competitionCompetitive price for mass produced productsAvailability of MJIA Website (www.meycauayanjewellers.com)Presence of outlet of MJIA products at “The Jewellery in Greenhills Shopping CenterMJIA is included in various website like that of DBP, OCLP, and Philexport | Inadequate funds to promote product – in joining int’l Trade Fairs.Inadequate global foresight of some of the members.Inadequate market knowledge on reliable data on sales performanceMeycauayan made jewelry has hardly penetrated export market (domestic oriented and underground)Inadequate comprehensive marketing strategy (market intelligence, etc.)Inadequate gov’t support in the promotion of productsNo collective marketing policy / planInadequate in good packaging of products using indigenous materialsPoor security and road network to Philippine Jewelry Center – hard to promote as tourist spot. | Strong GO, NGO and private sector support to promote Philippine made jewelry productsUp trends toward silver jewelryIncentives under R.A. 8502Bright prospects in the world market as indicated by increasing demand for silver jewelryMeycauayan as the OTOP of Meycauayan is jewelryCan now promote product easily through the internetConsumer mentality has changed from buying original to substitute with some functional and aesthetic valueGood transport system (new NLEX, train, etc)Easy land access to MeycauayanPhilippine Fine jewelry is included in the US GSPThere is a law for the development of Creative Industries and Jewelry is one of them. One of the strategy is to assist priority industries by strengthening support to the growth industries that are active in the international markets in order to sustain & enhance their competitiveness & improve their access to the domestic marketsThere are about 250 producers & exporters of fine jewelry employing about 100,000 skilled workers that supply both domestic & foreign marketsExistence of trade liberalization | Weakening domestic market due to economic crisesInflux of goods from Hong Kong and other neighboring countries (conduct of selling mission in different hotels of foreign jewellers)Strong export performance of neighboring countries like Hongkong, Singapore, and Japan which have attain world class standards with competitive pricesImplementation of reduced tariff policies as a result of AFTA and WTO, which will result to increase competition in the local market and might reduce manufacturers to the statues of mere traders.Lack of Government financial support to subsidize marketing research and development of the jewelry industry Presence of Domestic and International Corridoras selling in HotelsFilipinos prefer branded jewelry or imported ones.High cost of export trade promotion/trade fair participationSelling of imported jewelry at Duty Free Shops70 % of sold jewelry in the local market are importedBOC and BIRJewelry is not anymore the priority product- buyers prefer gadgets, cars, and real properties |
FINANCE
| STRENGTH | WEAKNESS | OPPORTUNITY | THREAT |
| Strong credibility to suppliers, local and overseas | Inadequate working capital Inadequate financial management skills of some jewellers Inadequate and unreliable gov’t financial support in marketing productsLots of swindling due granting of credit w/o collateral / credit investigation / bondsPoor credit collection on past due accounts due to poor credit management Non – Operation / Existence of MJIMPCI services e.g. credit loan | Presence of many funding agencies and institutions ready to finance jewellers and its projects as a group at low interest ratesAvailability of funds from GOs and NGO’s for training and other related activities (local and international)Gold Sale from BSP through an accredited bank. MJIA sign an MOA with Phil. Business Bank.Presence of Credit Card Facilities to be used by buyers in buying jewelry. | High financing cost compared to other countries InflationEconomic crisisPolitical instabilityRed tape in governmentSlow justice systemTarget of bad elements (like swindlers, hold uppers, extortionist , etc.)High cost of doing business in the PhilippinesCredit Card FraudHarassment from BIRVery volatile BOC Rules and Regulations which changes when ever there is a change in CommissionerExcessive Taxation of BIR We are to pay mineral tax and withholding tax from precious metal we purchase if we will use the purchases for cost of sales instead of pursuing precious metal dealer |
POLICY AND ADVOCACY
| STRENGTH | WEAKNESS | OPPORTUNITY | THREAT |
| Presence of organized and active jewelry industry association (MJIA) with huge network of supporters domestic and international, with an industry planStrong cooperation of local government and MJIAPresence of committed/ capable leaders of the Meycauayan Jewelry IndustryMJIA is an accredited association of RA 8502Active participation of MJIA at CPJIChairman of BPS Technical Committee reviewing PNS and TESDA on Jewelry is from MJIA | Inadequate jewelry industry profile/data due to apprehension to divulge informationInadequate automatic alarm system between manufacturer and police (security) Poor waste management – Non existence of Waste Water Treatment FacilityPhilippine Jewelry Center building is not yet finishedInefficient traffic management in Meycauayan thus affecting the declaration of Meycauayan as tourist spot for jewelryR.A. 8502 not fully disseminated therefore few jewellers are accreditedUnderground operation of most jewelry manufacturersInadequate information about PNS on jewelry | Incentives under R. A. 8502Strong support from government (local and national)Region III (Meyc.) is identified as industry cluster for fine jewelry by the governmentJewelry is the OTOP in MeycauayanAvailability of several communication facilities and infrastructurePresence of industry roadmap for fine jewelryPresence of estimated 250 manufacturer | Jewellers are target of BIR / DOLE / BOC/DENR investigation / harassment Implementation of reduced tariff policies as a result of AFTA, GATT, APEC, WTO which will result to increase competition in the local marketRED tape of BIRRationalization of Incentive by the government |