October2010
SIDGAP
October2010
Editorial Board Samson Keh Editor Circulation Manager Lolita Guilas Assistant Editor Art Director Writers/Contributors The “Screen Imaging & Digital Graphic Arts Magazine” is published by the Screen & Imaging Digital Graphic Arts Association of the Philippines (SIDGAP) with main editorial and business office at 517-F Santol St., Sta. Mesa, 1018 Manila Tel. Nos. (632) 714-1674/714-1776/715-5898. Fax: (632) 713-0142; E-mail: sidgap_info@yahoo.com
Screen Imaging and Digital Graphics Association of the Philippines (SIDGAP) 2010 Officers & Board of Directors Rudy Lim Ong President Atkimson Kua Vice President-Internal Jerry Ngo Vice-President-External Nestor Coralde Executive Secretary Gilbert Shi Treasurer PP Salvador Garza Membership Director Cherry Pie Barabad Ways & Means Director Ruperto Dela Cruz Business & Gov’t Director John Madarang Tech. & Training Director
About the Cover About the Cover About the Cover About the Cover About the Cover About the Cover About the Cover About About the Cover About the Cover About the Cover About the Cover About the Cover About the Cover About the Cover About the Cover
Samson Keh Public Relations Director Judith Pustrado Social Affairs Director Joy Corcega Asst. Secretary Past Presidents TOMAS J. VIRAY LAO HAN BIN SALVADOR GARZA
SIDGAP
8 Kornit Direct-On-Garment Technology Innovation
8 Kornit Direct-On-Garment Technology Innovation
Digital Printing Direct on Garments is a process and controlling the process is the key.
Digital Printing Direct on Garments is a process and controlling the process is the key.
8 Hope and the children of Elsie Gaches
8 Hope and the children of Elsie Gaches
the word “children” has a different meaning in elsie gaches village.
the word “children” has a different meaning in elsie gaches village.
Contents
8 How to Start a Screenprinting Business With a successful screen printing business, you can work just 2 and a half days a week and put five hundred dollars in your pocket.
8 Hope and the children of Elsie Gaches the word “children” has a different meaning in elsie gaches village.
8 Kornit Direct-On-Garment Technology Innovation Digital Printing Direct on Garments is a process and controlling the process is the key.
8 Kornit Direct-On-Garment Technology Innovation Digital Printing Direct on Garments is a process and controlling the process is the key.
8 The Colours of Success family businesses are an integral part of the economy.
8 From SPAP to SIDGAP Introduced in the country during the American regime, screen printing did not develop the way the other printing processes did.
8 Kornit Direct-On-Garment Technology Innovation Digital Printing Direct on Garments is a process and controlling the process is the key.
8 From SPAP to SIDGAP Introduced in the country during the American regime, screen printing did not develop the way the other printing processes did.
8 How to Start a Screenprinting Business With a successful screen printing business, you can work just 2 and a half days a week and put five hundred dollars in your pocket.
8 Hope and the children of Elsie Gaches the word “children” has a different meaning in elsie gaches village.
8 Kornit Direct-On-Garment Technology Innovation Digital Printing Direct on Garments is a process and controlling the process is the key.
8 Kornit Direct-On-Garment Technology Innovation Digital Printing Direct on Garments is a process and controlling the process is the key.
October2010
SPEECH
The GREEN REVOLUTION Ms. Bella Sun Clemente
The world, in general, is experiencing a revolution. A revolution in, thoughts, ways and words. A revolution so unlike any other…transcending towns and cities, regions and nations, race and creed…a revolution responding to the evolution of the earth we live in.
his revolution is identified by its color… a color supreme and so omnipotent, because it defines the color of the earth as it should be. This revolution is The Green Revolution. For the first time in years of denial that we are really self-destructing the world we live in, man is awakening to the hard fact that we are. We are destroying the face of our earth with our bad ways, our bad practices, old ways, and old thoughts. Over a few number of years, voices and ideas have been whispering to us....that unless we change for the better, we will immerse ourselves in an ecological death. The voices are numerous...some loud and some tiny. From the country reports on the State of the Environment Monitor by the World Bank, to the disappearing population of the polar bears in the Antarctic and Artic regions, to Al Gore’s eco-documentary “The Inconvenient Truth,” to the flashfloods ravaging cosmopolitan cities of Europe, to the thinning of the ozone layer, to the Kyoto Protocol and more disturbing environmental reports....the signs are here. We are destroying the face of our earth. The ecological aspects of this self-destruction have many faces in our natural resources: air, water, land. Ecosolutions have recently sprung up as viable solutions to the recovery of these resources. One of these solutions is SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT, an aspect I am passionate about...one which I am going to talk to you about today. In the Philippines, SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT is a new venture. The state of our garbage problem was only officially addressed some 8 years ago through Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2001. Just like in any other small country, my countrymen’s response is slow...at times, frustrating. My advocacy in SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT started with teaching it to local government units and schools. Then I had a light bulb moment at the 2007 Philippine National Elections...the recycling of TARPAULIN banners and streamers. A short background on this, if you will... Tarpaulin and other flexible media may have been invented decades ago in other parts of the world but they have recently entered public consumption a few years ago in the Philippines. Until recently, they have only been SIDGAP
Tarpaulin and other flexible media may have been invented decades ago in other parts of the world but they have recently entered public consumption a few years ago in the Philippines. used by companies in their large-scale advertising pursuits.... billboards, banners, streamers. But the increasing decrease in media and technology prices offered tarpaulin printing to the general public. Even a small-convenience store in a far-flung town could have its photographic sign printed on tarp or flex.
We now have 25 enlisted members and eco-guardians. Most of them are sewers and pattern makers of RECYCLED TARPAULIN bags. Earthday Village’s objectives are in line with our objective of RECYCLING... livelihood opportunities and women empowerment for our sewers and pattern makers. As well as becoming community volunteers in implementing the Solid Waste Management Program.
The 2007 National Elections in the Philippines saw an emergence of an alternative advertising and promotions strategy for those who wanted to run for government offices...smallscale tarpaulin banners and streamers.
But we focus our efforts on one goal: to help our community practice waste Management and to recycle the tarpaulin banners and streamers into bags as a way to sustain our environmental charity programs..
The convenience of tarpaulin banners and streamers was highly valued by the election candidates. Tarp is visual and attractive. The possibilities in designs are endless. Messages get through the target market...ON TIME AND STRAIGHT TO THE POINT.
We have two product lines: fashion bags for sale to high-end clientele and school bags to be given FREE to children in impoverished communities.
In the 2004 elections, tarp replaced paper flyers, calendars, t-shirts and posters. Indeed, because of tarp’s reasonable prices, every candidate had his face plastered on the lampposts of his locality. After the elections, tons and tons of tarp lined the streets and dumpsites of every town and city. The volume of waste generated by the politicians was incomprehensible. I got disturbed of a world study that it would take 500 years for tarp to decompose in our dumpsites. Together with members of our local EarthDay Network, we founded EarthDay Village. Earthday Village is located in a small village in the Philippines.
Since our foundation in 2007, we have sewn thousands of these tarp bags. We at the Earth Day Village believe that WE HAVE THE POWER TO CHANGE. Individuals SHOULD contribute to the state of our earth by starting the change not in the global arena, not in regions, not in a country, nor a city nor a town but WITHIN EACH AND EVERY PERSON. I am also an entrepreneur so I fully understand the business side of each venture. I am aware of the waste I generate so I work on ways to MINIMIZE MY WASTE. My goal here today is to provide inspiration on ways for you to RECYCLE, if not MINIMIZE your waste. We, as business owners, should also do our share in protecting our global natural resources. Just as we practice economics in business, October2010
In solid waste management, a huge step is the ban on plastic bags as packaging materials in the country. Economics, is WISE USE OF RESOURCES‌ After all, we are part of one whole global circle of resources, our EARTH. The goal of solid waste management is for each and every individual to manage his waste in a responsible manner. Our goals as business owners should be the same, although in a larger and industrial way. Our ways can be as diverse and as adaptable to the character and quantity of the waste we generate. We can start with educating ourselves about helping preserve our resources, man-made and natural. In this technological world, researching through the Internet for websites on the environment is a huge step. Eathdaynetwork.org.....yahoo green are some examples of these websites. Subscribing to E-newsletters can help broaden our knowledge on resources. Even enrolling our staff in environmental seminars, forums and discussions can be vital for our CSR or corporate social responsibility. We should also make a conscious effort to consider the environmental impact that our business decisions create. For example, researching on more creative and more eco-friendly ways of packaging our products can lead to lesser wastes generated.
International organizations and private agencies have started the Greening of the World through efforts like more responsible e-cars to stop our dependence on fossil fuel, the creation of Air Quality gauges to monitor the air we breathe, the preservation of our marine resources through the declaration of sanctuaries all over the world, the buy-and-sell of carbon allocations in the Kyoto Protocol, even the simple conversion of incandescent bulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs or CFLs. In solid waste management, a huge step is the ban on plastic bags as packaging materials in countries like Bangladesh and a small town in the Philippines, Sta. Barbara, Iloilo. This revolution is world-wide and huge, a conscious effort to restore well-being into our polluted lives. Our earth was created a healthy GREEN. The global state of the environment paints our earth a color different from what it originally was. It is now a desolate, distressful BROWN. Unless we evolve and treat our earth as a vessel of our lives, our old and bad ways will paint it into its demise... the color BLACK. And then, it would be too late to recover.
And then, there are various simple and concrete ways to start the change now. Like Earth Day Village, you can start recycling your advertising media like tarpaulin and flexible media, into recycled and reusable packaging materials. The global state of our environment is in its lowest in history. Reports from organizations like the United Nations and World Bank are in its bleakest. SIDGAP
Ms. Bella Sun Clemente
is the Chief Operations Manager of Greenpine Print, Inc. and partner, Peace Print Services
October2010
We Have Many Things in Common BY Boyette San Diego
s a television broadcaster, Mike Enriquez usually reports the news. Last August 12, however, he made the news. The occasion was the induction of new officers of SIDGAP, the Screen Imaging and Digital Graphic Association of the Philippines, held at Annapolis Seafood Restaurant in Greenhills, San Juan. Charming the audience of screen printers and guests, Enriquez, who is also a top executive of GMA-7 broadcast network, said broadcasters have many things in common with members of SIDGAP. “We both communicate messages,” said Enriquez, “whether people like (them) or not.” “We are both heavily reliant on SIDGAP
Screen printing is one of the most versatile print methods used today and this effective process can be used on a very broad range of mediums, making screening one of the most preferred print techniques.
technology.” “We are both business people, investing in resources to get a fair return on investments.” “We both engage in public service. The viewer is boss,” he stressed. “We are organized,” comparing SIDGAP to the Kapisanan ng Brodkaster ng Pilipinas, the organization of Filipino broadcasting professionals. “We are all human beings.”
statistics from the National Nutrition Council that show that 3 million Filipinos go through extreme hunger daily. Toward the end of his talk, some members of the audience asked Enriquez to blurt out his trademark expression as a newscaster. He graciously obliged, pausing for a few seconds before booming “Hindi namin kayo tatantanan!,” earning warm applause for the effort.
New Officers GMA-7 resurgence
Enriquez spoke at length to explain the resurgence of the GMA-7 network. He said the “Kapuso” nickname originated from asking the question “What makes the Filipino tick?” “Ano ang kiliti ng Pilipino?” Enriquez recalled he and his colleagues asking themselves, eventually leading to the insight that one will succeed “kapag nakuha ‘nyo ang puso ng Pilipino. (if you capture the Filipino’s heart)” Saying he had high respect for competing network ABS-CBN, Enriquez recalled a oneon-one discussion he had with GMA-7 CEO and Chair Atty. Felipe Gozon that changed the way they all looked at their business. Atty. Gozon’s advice was for their employees to shift their focus from their competitor (ABS-CBN) to their viewers. He said Atty. Gozon “didn’t know anything about television production” but that simple advice would change GMA-7 and lead to the commercial success the company currently enjoys.
The new officers of SIDGAP, who were sworn into office by former SIDGAP president Tomas Viray, are: President Rudy Ong of A-One Garments, Executive Secretary Carlos Malibiran of Gakken Philippines, VP-Internal Atkimson Kua of L.G. Atkimson Import-Export, VP-External Jerry Ngo of Perma-Colour Inc. Treasurer Gilbert Shi of Advatex Marketing Screen Printing Supply, Membership Director Salvador Garza of G-Graphic Sales Corp., Ways & Means Director Cherry Pie Barabad of Holistic Marketing Services Com. Firm, Business & Government Director Ruperto de la Cruz of Jopers Enterprises, Technical & Training Director John Madarang of 11 FTC, National & International Director Samson Keh of United Impulse, and Social Affair Director Judith Pustrado of Ellite Ads Corp. The outgoing president of SIDGAP is Salvador Garza.
Posing a challenge
At one point, Enriquez turned somber, challenging SIDGAP members to define the values and purpose of the organization. “Are you going to be another social club?” he asked. He commended SIDGAP “for being such a blessed group” and reminded the audience to help the less fortunate, citing
Boyette San Diego This article is reprinted from the May 2010 issue of Grafika, the technical magazine of the Philippine Printing Technical Foundation. It was written by PPTF secretary Jose E. San Diego Jr., who attended the SIDGAP induction together with fellow PPTF officers.
October2010
INDUSTRY
www.optiger.cz
Digital Printing Direct on Garments is a process and controlling the process is the key. When Kornit Digital first began engineering the Kornit line of digital printing equipment in 2003 there was an understanding of what was needed to control the process. Develop a line of equipment from the ground up and prepare for the inevitable changes in technology. Only then can you gain control of the process. Understanding the dynamics of the digital printing process is like arranging a row of dominos on end to form a continuous action when set in motion. hen Kornit made the decision to build an industrial solution to the direct on garment industry, Kornit engineering sought out the finest components available. First the components needed to be robust and second; they must be capable of being manipulated to allow for the certainty of future demands for greater speed. Before the actual printing components could be brought together it was essential to begin with a rigid steel box beam frame to combat vibration. The rapid oscillations of the printing pallets and the print heads will lead to vibrations that would compromise print quality. When you are working with drop locations measured in microns it is critical that the platform is stable to guarantee a quality print. The mass of the frame in SIDGAP
the Kornit printers is by far the most stable platform in the market. As print head technology improves, this gives us the ability to control more rapid firings of the piazo ink jets in the print heads. Kornit Digital uses the finest printheads available from Spectra速. The faster you can fire the print heads the further you can expand the goal of building the most efficient, high speed digital printer in the industry. The ability to increase the firing speed of the inks jets can be disastrous unless you can control the composition and characteristics of the ink. If the ink is not manufactured at the perfect viscosity with the perfect surface tension, the ink droplets will destruct prior to reaching the material leaving
As print head technology improves, this gives us the ability to control more rapid firings of the piazo ink jets in the print heads. Kornit Digital uses the finest printheads available from Spectra. you with soft, muddy prints. Digital ink must be chemically designed to be projected at high speeds. Kornit Digital develops and manufactures it own line of digital inks so changes can be made to the ink to adapt to changes in the mechanical aspects of the equipment. Once you have the heads firing rapidly and the chemistry of the ink under control then you can accelerate the printing pallets to match the firing of the ink jets. By using magnetic linear drives in place of conventional motors to drive the motion of the pallets and the print heads, Kornit can alter the speed of the printing pallets on demand. These linear drive components offer unparalleled accuracy, stability and variability to adapt to changes in the printing speed, print head and ink chemistry technology. Finally, as the ever developing computer industry offers new capabilities, the ability to control complex computer driven functions in unison saves valuable seconds on every print. Designing all of these critical computer programs by in house Kornit computer engineers allows the constant development of more efficient programs to take every advantage possible to produce a more productive machine. Now that the process is controlled, printing can take place. We all know the garment industry is plagued with variables. Each garment manufacturer has a slightly different process that will directly affect the quality and durability of the product. Kornit’s approach to controlling this variable is not to print on the garment but rather to print on a controlled wetting solution (sometimes referred to as a primer or fixation solution). A wetting solution that is applied off line can lead to variables in the durability and quality of the print. If this off line wetting solution has dried out or has been affected by other conditions
in the surrounding conditions where the garments are stored, the prints may wash out, crack or prematurely fail. To control this variable Kornit has designed an automatic spraying system that is built into the Kornit digital printers that applies the wetting solution to the garment just prior to printing. This reduces labor costs as the garment is handled one time by the operator and not once by an off line person to prep the garments and then by an operator to load the garment to the machine. By applying the wetting solution inside the machine and then printing directly wet on wet, inks to wetting solution, a strong chemical bond is formed between the fabrics, the wetting solution and the inks. This is especially critical when printing white inks, the bond between these materials must be strong and flexible to withstand stretching and many, many washes. This unique process between the chemistry of Kornits proprietary wetting solution and Kornit’s inline application process has lead to many new advances by Kornit Digital in the digital market. The ability to print not only on 100% light cotton garments but directly on light and dark colored 100% polyester and polyester performance fabrics, pigment dyed fabrics and many other materials with a single ink line has brought flexibility to digital printing companies. These companies can now offer a multitude of high quality products in single and short run prints for the retail market or produce hundreds of one off prints in the on demand internet based industry. As the speed of the digital equipment continues to improve, this ability is expanding the quantities that can be profitably produced. Kornit digital is a truly research and development company that is constantly redefining the digital printing process. October2010
ntroduced in the country during the American regime, screen printing did not develop the way the other printing processes did. For quite a long time, the art has remained a well-guarded secret especially during the 60’s until the 80’s. Nobody has the sympathy to spread the wonders of screen printing for other aspirants. If others keep trade secrets to themselves
in order to survive in business, there are also persons who do not subscribe to this practice. And one of them is Tomas J. Viray who started his screen printing business in 1972. Generally, it was in the early 90’s that this kind of business started to make money for him. His growing interest to have an organization of screen printers in the country became more intense every single day.
The Formation of SPAP (Screen Printers Association of the Philippines)
Aware that he could be more of help to fellow printers and new entrepreneurs, he invited some of his colleagues to spend time and discuss the formation of an association for screen printing. However, those whom he invited accepted the invitation but failed to attend on scheduled meetings. Until one fine day of October 1991, nine of his colleagues in the industry accepted his invitation for a luncheon meeting set in a Japanese restaurant in front of Intercontinental Hotel in Makati. All of them thought that it was Tom’s birthday but it’s not. Tom’s only reason for that meeting was to announce the formation of a screen printing association in the Philippines. Upon gathering the decisions of everybody, without any hesitation, Tom presented the SEC Articles of Incorporation and asked them to sign their respective names. Hence, on October 26, 1991, the Screen Printers Association of the Philippines (SPAP) was organized. Its founding officers were: 1. Bernardino C. Paco 2. Tomas J. Viray 3. Ricardo E. Ocampo 4. Marietta B. Genon 5. Lao Han Ben 6. Ruben L. David 7. Carlito B. Bacurin 8. Ernesto C. Aquino 9. Adolfo Viernes
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Pres., CDI Sakata Inx/Blu Chem Pres., Orient Integrated Commercial, Inc. Instructor, offset printing Board Secretary, Orient Integrated Comm’l, Inc. Pres., Graphitype Consolidated Pres., Creative Graphics Manager, Inc. Pres., Polygraphics Trading Pres., Intertrade Exec. Dir., Phil. Printing Technical Foundation
From these officers, the following objectives of the Association were formed: • To create a meeting ground for printers and suppliers; to foster and conduct informative programs for the enlightenment of its membership and to stimulate the growth of the screenprinting industry in the Philippines. • To acquire and disseminate industry data to the members and to keep them abreast of the latest in the industry. SIDGAP
• • • • •
To encourage the improvement of materials, methods and systems employed by the industry. To establish and maintain a central office to coordinate the activities of the association. To cooperate with other trade organizations for the advancement of the graphic arts industry as a whole and the screen printing in particular. To promote and maintain an environment of ethical practices and a high level of professional conduct. To aid the industry in the solutions of its problems and, in general, to perform the customary functions of a trade association.
After formulating the Association’s objectives and the signing of Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws, Tom immediately appointed Mr. Bernardino C. Paco as Chairman of the Board while the rest unanimously chose Tom Viray as president because of his enthusiasm as well as dedication to establish SPAP. All of them recognized Tom Viray’s leadership. Because of SPAP, the wonders of screen printing started to evolve and there were no secrets anymore. In 1995, the change of the US Association from Screen Printing Association International (SPAI) to Screenprinting and Graphic Imaging Association International (SGIA) made SPAP to widen its scope, resulting in the formation on November 13, 1995 of what is now the Screenprinting and Graphic Imaging Association of the Philippines (SIGAP) which was later changed to Screen Imaging and Digital Graphic Association of the Philippines (SIDGAP) – the focal organization of screenprinters and graphic imagers in the country. Mr. Salvador “Buddy” Garza, president of G-Graphics Sales Corporation took over the reins of the organization after Mr. Tomas Viray’s term. Mr. Garza was instrumental in the change of the SIGAP name into SIDGAP in order to bring into the association not only the screen printers but the digital printers
as well, making it more in step with the times. It was also during his time that SIDGAP became an associate member of the Federation of European Screen Printing Associations (FESPA). Mr. Rudy Lim Ong, president of A-One Garments and PP of the Pasay City (Host) Lions Club was elected president of SIDGAP for the 2009-2010 term. A guy who wants to stay in the know while on the go, President Ong is actively pursuing SIDGAP’s affiliation with international associations such as ASGA, FESPA and SGIA thru networking and attendance in their exhibits, trade fairs,
conventions a n d conferences. He attended ASGA’s Board Meeting in his capacity as its Board Secretary (held at the Tokyo Bay Ariake Washington Hotel last April 7, 2010). He also went to FESPA’s 2010 exhibit in Munich, Germany last June 22-26 and represented SIDGAP at FESPA’s General Assembly last September 16, 2010. He will also attend the SGIA Expo in Las Vegas, October 12-15, 2010. By December 2010, Pres. Rudy is set to visit and lend his support to Screen Print India 2010 Exhibition in Mumbai. On the local front, Pres. Rudy Ong is aiming to increase SIDGAP’s membership thru its first ever official publication, the ‘SIDGAP Magazine’. Set to launch in October 2010, the magazine is envisioned as an effective vehicle to create awareness among members and the general public with the crucial role printers play in the country’s economic development. At the same time, the publication will act as the country’s goodwill arm in reaching out to counterparts abroad. October2010
Corporate Profile
COLOURS BY L. T. Guilas
Family businesses are an integral part of the economy. “When it works right,” says one writer, “nothing succeeds like a family firm. The roots run deep, embedded in family values. The flash of the fast buck is replaced with long-term plans. Tradition counts.” Besides, the family that does business together stays together.
hat must be true. For in the case of siblings Jerry and Cristina Ngo who are the more active partners in Perma Colour, Inc., a corporation engaged in the manufacture of ink and silkscreen printing supplies, they have stood together thru thick and thin since 1995 to the present – a good 15 years in all and still going on strong … This family indeed, believes that family and business can mix – embracing vision and values, the way a family is raised. Jerry Ngo and siblings are owners -- three are active; two are behind the scene managers. Cristina and Jerry handle business operations while sister Shirley manages the accounting part. “It took us a year before we formally started. All the while, we were preparing our documents, studying the market and looking for a good location,” says Cristina, one of the active partners. It was good that one of their brothers offered his lot to Cristina and Jerry. To this day, the partners are still renting the same lot from him -- he refused to sell the lot but allowed them to stay with very minimal rent. Cristina is a chemical engineering graduate of Adamson University (Batch ’84) who passed the licensure exams with flying colors. After working SIDGAP
for a while, she decided to put up a venture in partnership with her brothers and sisters. Working for others gave Cristina the opportunity to learn firsthand how others conduct business, developing her knowledge and confidence prior to opening the family venture. Jerry who is younger than Cristina, narrates the partnership’s phenomenal rise: “We started the company with only two people; in three months’ time, we’ve increased to ten personnel.” (Now, they’ve got 70 people, including 3 chemists). Asked about the secret of their success, the siblings, replied almost in unison: “We owe our success to teamwork and constant updates in our line of business. We go abroad to attend trade fairs and learn the latest technology trends. We cater to the needs of the market; solve technical problems as well.” “We rarely increase prices; we haven’t increased our prices despite the economic crunch,” adds Cristina. And how are they able to do that? “We buy direct from suppliers; hence we are able to keep prices down. We practice long-term relationship selling with our customers whose needs we try to satisfy with quality products, competitive prices and good service 24/7,” explains Cristina. As to future plans, it’s Jerry’s turn. These two practise giving way to each other. When one speaks, the other listens. Mutual respect must be the reason why they’ve got chemistry. “We invest in more new machines. Since the last two years, we started shifting from old to new machines in order to save on manpower and electrical costs,” reveals Jerry with a glint in his eyes. In fact, for the Ngos, the future is here. While other companies are still dragging their feet in adhering to environmental protection and sustainability because of the high cost the move entails, Jerry states: “We conform with ‘green’ manufacturing practices and are currently implementing them in our company.” And what’s their formula for employee relations and retention? Just to check how employee-friendly the Management is, I asked Ms. Joy Corcega-Cordero, sales manager, and she
Screen printing, sometimes called silk screening or serigraphy, has long proved it’s worth as a fine arts and commercial medium.
gladly replied, “They treat us like family – it’s beyond money and perks. Cristina, Jerry and the rest of the management brood are very professional when it comes to business. Whenever I seek their advice, they are always ready to share their time, energy and talent. I consider them as friends whom I can rely on – there is a common thread that binds us. Actually, I believe that business and family both essentially need attention, time, nurturing, goals and supervision. In that sense, I have stayed and intends to stay with them for as long as they need my services.” It is said that despite their magnitude, family businesses face a major threat from within. According to a study, only 30 percent of family businesses survive to the second generation, and just 10 percent make it to the third generation. Business periodicals are full of stories describing bitter disputes among family members that have crippled or destroyed thriving businesses. But from the looks of it, with siblings helping each other out, thick or thin through the years, the Ngo family business isn’t going to suffer that fate – just like the tried and tested Ayalas, Gokongweis, Concepcions and Sy Families, hallmark companies of big business in the Philippines who stood tall and remained strong even in times of global financial meltdowns. October2010
and the children of
Elsie Gaches
The word “children” has a different meaning in Elsie Gaches Village. “I say ‘children’ because they are forever young,” explains administrator Evelyn M. Lontok. “We’re looking at their mental ages. Chronologically, they are from two to 62 years old but mentally they are between two and 19 years old.”
ocated just across the Alabang Town Center in Muntinlupa, the Elsie Gaches Village stands on a 16-hectare lot donated by philanthropists Samuel and Elsie Gaches. Inaugurated in 1964, it was first placed under the Social Welfare Administration and now under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). It is the only government center for mentally-challenged persons or, who we simply call, “special children.” “At present there are 608 children in EGV,” Lontok said. “They are cared for by 87 regular employees and 35 workers paid for by private foundations through the Sisters of Charity of Saint Anne, who also handle their spiritual development.” Local and international private foundations also help in the development of EGV. Prominent among them is the Friends of Elsie Gaches Village that has funded many of the institution’s projects for the past 15 years. Other institutions like the Jose Fabella Memorial School help in the therapy programs. With its large population, EGV is virtually a community in itself.There are 26 buildings on the property that houses an administration office, resident pavilions (designed by renowned architect Bobby Mañosa), therapy rooms, a clinic and a kitchen/bakery/laundry area. An old building called “The Mansion” that was once the Gaches’ resort home is now a church where Masses are celebrated every Thursday. There are also classrooms for special classes.
SIDGAP
A full-time job
Caring for the children is a full-time job for the staff. And one of the first stages of that caring is accepting them under the institution’s care. Rejection is the social curse of the EGV wards and their mental condition a stigma on their personalities. “The children here, 97% of them, are abandoned.” Lontok said, “They are usually brought in by social workers from local government units or concerned citizens.” She, however, emphasizes that EGV has never stopped looking for the children’s parents or relatives. For families who bring their special children for caring, EGV advocates either foster care or help in caring for the child. “Institutionalizing is always a last resort,” Lontok says. A special child is admitted after a pre-admittance conference among the officials and placed in the infirmary for a week for observation. They are classified into three categories depending on their mental stages and capabilities: profound (totally dependent on others); prospective and trainable (semi-dependent); and upper trainable (independent). A social worker then prepares a plan for the child’s care and rehabilitation. Different sets of therapy and special education programs are provided for these categories focused to give the mentally-challenged person a chance to return to society. There are, however, problems.
The unwelcoming mainstream
The government has no clear guidelines for the return of these children to society, Lontok explains. There are 90 upper trainables in EGV who have undergone special schools as well as vocational training for limited job skills. But business establishments are hesitant to hire them. The children need constant monitoring and medication. These companies are afraid of legal implications if an accident happens. “Still, we provide them more than simple, menial tasks,” she said. “Right now, there are 40 to 50 wards doing intra-community tasks here. They are assigned work in the village and help the staff in managing it.” In fact, a visitor can’t help noticing the EGV’s clean surroundings, including the well-tended gardens. Lontok proudly pointed out that these are the work of the children. The children’s care and the institution’s maintenance has always been a difficult task. Funding is the main problem. Lontok says that their budget from the DSWD is P13 million. This covers the food budget, repairs and upkeep of the facilities, water,
electricity and other utility bills, and the employee’s salaries. The budget is obviously not enough. So EGV relies on help from friends and donors. “The food expense alone reaches P7 million a year,” Lontok said. The daily food ration prepared by the kitchen is formidable - five and half sacks of rice, 70 kgs. meat, 75 kgs. chicken, 100 kgs. vegetables; and 25 kgs. of sauté preparations (pansahog). The minimum food allowance for an adequate meal is P60 to P65 a day. EGV can only work within a budget of P45/day. There are also special meals prepared for those with allergies as well as osterized food for those requiring tube-feeding (On the day of Metro Society’s visit, several baskets of donated mangoes arrived; EGV dietitian Evelyn Valencia figured out the equal distribution of several baskets of mangoes donated that day: at least one slice of mango per child).
Against the odds
But, in spite of the limitations, Elsie Gaches Village has continuously grown and developed for the special children’s welfare.
A resident pavilion designed by Arch. Bobby Mañosa, one of the 26 structures in EGV.
“Sports are now part of our program. We have a sports trainer here from Fabella,” Lontok said. “In September, the Elsie Gaches soccer team will represent the Philippines at the 2007 Shanghai World Games. Our basketball team also represented our country in the 2003 Macau Games.” The future plans for the institution is something Lontok is looking forward to. She points out that Elsie Gaches Village is basically a “demonstration area” for the expertise in the care of mentally-challenged people. “We are hoping that with Elsie Gaches serving as a social laboratory, private or non-governmental organizations (NGOs) can work in caring for mentally-challenged people in similar institutions set up in their areas,”, she says, “So, if they have a case in let’s say, Mindanao, they don’t have to bring them here in Manila for care and rehabilitation.” There are other plans hinged on that single virtue -- hope. The hope that society accepts the children and gives them proper care not only through an institution but also by people who care for them. The hope that Elsie Gaches Village is just the start of many such places that takes care of special children. And the hope that the children of Elsie Gaches and other special people become accepted as part of a family.
October2010
How to Start a Screen Printing Business Screenprinting
101
ith a successful screen printing business, you can work just 2 and a half days a week and put five hundred dollars in your pocket. You can set your business up in several different places and just have the crowds come to you. The general thought is that if you are going to own a successful business you have to work a lot of hours and hope you can find customers. While that may be the rule of thumb for many businesses, a screen printing business can be run on a part time basis and still bring in decent cash. There are two places where you can set up your business and work just a few days a week and have the public almost throw money at you: 1) The Flea Market. Would you believe that a decent flea market can have as many as ten thousand people a weekend walk through? Flea market shoppers are regular people like you and I. They like the shopping atmosphere and the bargain pricing that you find in a venue like that. With the growth of flea market shopping, many indoor markets spring up as well so you have the benefit of air conditioning and heat when either is needed. Setting up a screen printing business at a flea market is easy because you can back your car right up to your booth, set up your equipment, display some shirts and hats and be in business in no time. With the masses walking the isles, you are sure to make money. 2) An Indoor Mall. Setting up at an indoor mall is going to take a little more effort as you just can not drive your car up and unload. You will need a dolly or hand truck to move your equipment and wares. Setting up a screen printing business at an indoor mall is generally very profitable because the majority of the people that frequent malls are looking to buy clothing. Since 91% of all screen printing is done on clothing, you have the perfect match. You also have more selling hours at the mall and can count on the comforts of a controlled environment as well. Either place is a great place for setting up a screen printing business -- it’s just what fits you and your personality best. Learning how to start a screen printing business is relatively simple. Thanks to improved technology and machinery, a screen printing business can be set up in a room of your home and is very inexpensive to start. The equipment is easily handled by one person if you wish to start small in your t-shirt business. Finding customers, on the other hand, may not be quite as simple. One of the wonderful things about learning how to start a screen printing business is the amount of work you can generate from the internet. The web allows you to accept business from all over the world. No longer do businesses have to view endless proofs. With software and internet capabilities they can upload their graphic information easily and quickly for your business to process. You can operate both your screen printing as well as a digital printing business.
SIDGAP
In screen printing an image is produced by a mesh and is placed on a frame with a stencil or image plate.
What is Screenprinting?
Basically screenprinting is very, very easy. No matter what anyone tells you, there are only three things you have to be able to do to be a successful screenprinter in the printing sense: • Make a screen • Print the screen • Dry the item Screen printing is a craft and like any business, you must provide a quality product to succeed. In screen printing an image is produced by a mesh and is placed on a frame with a stencil or image plate. A squeegee is used to work in through the material. It is a process that can produce designs on a variety of items including t-shirts, hats, shorts, glass, polyethylene, paper, metals, and wood. Part of deciding how to start a screen printing business is focusing on which items you want to promote. T-shirts are profitable and ideal for the starting screen printer but niche markets exist in high-end clothing, decorative tapestry, awards and recognition items, promotional CDs, etc. You may also choose to target a select type such as team uniforms or fund-raising t-shirts. Research your local and web competition to find the item market you can be most competitive in.
Leasing or buying your equipment
If you are starting out small, it will probably be better to buy your supplies rather than lease. However, if you wish to start with a larger set-up, you may want to consider leasing. Leasing has many advantages including: fewer upfront costs, flexible payment options, easy equipment upgrades, and the ability to use more advanced technology. The most expensive item is the screening station. A small business can start with a station of I bin with a single color up to 10 bins with 10 colors. The more colors you have available, the quicker you can perform complex designs. Most designs will not require more than 4 colors so this is a nice number to begin with. The minimum equipment and supplies you need to start include: • Screens • Degreasing chemical • Emulsion • Coater • Drying cabinet • Washing booth • Pressure washer • Scoops • Spot lifter • Inks • Software, Computer and Scanner • Ink degrader • Squeegees
October2010
SIDGAP
October2010
SIDGAP