The manufacture of gifts, toys and houseware has been long synonymous with the humble beginnings of the handicraft industry in the Philippines.

Although several backyard manufacturers were noted decades ago, the industry seemed to have been doing well on its own. The inevitable came when GTH products obtained recognition from both local and international markets for their innovation, ingenuity and quality. As exports rose in the early nineties, the need to band individual manufacturers together in order to sustain the collective gains of the industry was felt.

Encouraged by an impressive export sales increase of 32.93 percent on 1990, 30 small exporters assisted by the Provincial Office of the Department of Trade and Industry formally organized Cebu-Gifts, Toys and Housewares manufactures and Exporters Assn., Inc. (CEBU-GTH).

Initially envisioning itself as a foundation devoted to the provision of institutionalized service for the entire GTh industry. Cebu-GTH focuses on the areas of production, product design, marketing and market information, access to technology, manpower capability, raw material conversions and substitutes and financing in order to contribute to the improvement of the industry and ultimately towards the economic goals of the Philippines.

Adopting a six point program to preserve the initial gains achieved by the sector, the organization began to "organize for growth":. Hence, the association proceeded with attaining its organizational objectives which are" to promote quality gift, toys and houseware products for both domestic and international markets, to promote sound and ethical business practice within and outside of the industry;to promote standards in the manufacture and marketing of products; develop awareness and uses of GTH products among the consumers, and to propose development assistance from the government, specifically with respect to product designs, raw material acquisition, promotion and markting strategies and documentation.

In view on the coming years, Cebu-GTh envisions itselfs as one of the fastest growing pillars of the provinces consumer manufactured goods sector. Aiming to capture the medium and high end niche in the world handicrafts market, the sector continues to maintain its design superiority while enhancing product quality and competitiveness.