| Christmas D?cor Producers and Exporters Association of the Philippines |
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The Christmas Décor Producers and Exporters Association of the Philippines (CDPEAP) was born on 17 October 1987 in response to a challenge by then CITEM Executive Director Mina Gabor to 28 participants of an export opportunities seminar. Atty Virgilio Sanchez, former mayor of San Fernando, Pampanga was voted founding president and the CDPEAP ventured into the little known but exciting world of international trade. The following years saw the group participate in various trade exhibitions and shows, selling missions, and retail events in the Philippines, Asia, USA, and Europe. These activities helped establish the Philippines as a major supplier of innovative, handcrafted indigenous ornaments. Export statistics followed an impressive upward path from just about US$8 million in 1986 to US$11 million in 1995. In April 1993, the sector was identified by the Department of Trade and Industry as one of the Philippines’ export winners, seen as a major force to catapult the country to international trade prominence. “To affirm, enhance and sustain the creative excellence and global prominence of the Filipino Christmas décor producers-exporters.” |