Food. Shelter. Clothing. These three are known as the basic needs in quest of survival. Of the three, clothing weaves unique patterns such as designs that endure the test of time.

One firm that mastered the nitty-gritty of clothing apparel is Cefekur Garments Industry. From designing to lay outing, sewing, stitching and so on, the success of this Oton, Iloilo-based company is largely due to passion, determination and innovation married with technology.

Mrs. Feliciana Valencia, the proud owner of Cefekur, recalled how the business kicked off in 1991.

“We started as sub-contractor with five sewers using an ordinary machine to cope with the embroideries. We also used some borrowed sewing machines to produce school uniforms, T-shirts, and lab gowns.”

While her husband formed intricate designs, Feliciana worked closely with the staff ensuring that the products are of utmost quality.

In 1995, they bought edging machine and sewing machines. Five years later, Feliciana resigned from her work and helped her husband in managing the business. They began to specialize in sportswear which they supply during congressional district meets.

The company’s products and services include printing, stitching, and embroidering garments. Today, Cefekur’s star product is sportswear which includes jerseys and shorts. 

“We chose garments because my husband has a tailoring shop from the family and he has the skills when it comes to design. When Cefekur grew, our customers demanded T-shirts and sportswears until some local government units (LGUs) from the first district and other towns required us to make sports uniform for the Congressional District Sports Association Meet.”

Cefekur also went through tough times which spell opportunity loss. These range from electricity and machine failure, and poor maintenance. It also experienced difficulty to cope with the volume demand and distribution delay.

But it was fortunate that, through word of mouth, the company learned of the various assistances provided by the Department of Science and Technology through the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP).

Cefekur readily prepared a request which DOST approved within a month. Under the project entitled “Product and Process Improvement of a Gift and Décor Production Facility for Cefekur Garments Industry”, the firm was able to enhance and upgrade its production process.

The services became possible through DOST’s technical assistance on equipment upgrading such as the purchase of computer embroidery and industrial sewing machine.

“With regard to the quality that we have, we can already compete in the national level. In terms of embroidery, we’re proud to say that ours is computerized and same goes with our industrial machine.”            

By tapping S&T experts and industry practitioners, Cefekeur was able to avail of technical consultancy programs on Energy Audit and Cleaner Production. These consultancy programs are excellent platforms in advancing scientific solutions that translate to positive socio-economic and industrial impacts.

With the help of these innovations, Cefekur now ensures product quality and efficiency, as well as increased sales and volume production, and job generation.

This development   encouraged   the   owners   to expand    their    product    line to include personalized gifts and souvenirs. They also have caps, mugs, and other customized products.

Although there have been numerous businesses in Iloilo, Cefekur Garments Industry still stands as one of the most steadfast in the industry. No doubt, a huge appreciation goes to science and technology for making the business work. (By LMLamasan, S&T Media Service, DOSTVI)


Seamstressesdo  their daily routine at Cefekur. (MASASalazar/DOST VI)


Cefekur owners, Mr. and Mrs. Valencia (left) proudly share to DOST Secretary Fortunato de la Peña (2nd from right) their appreciation of the  DOST SETUP-ISSF project for the enhancement and upgrading of their company’s production process.  Also in photo are DOST-Philippine Textile Research Institute Director Celia Elumba (center) and DOST Region VI Director Rowen R. Gelonga (right).(MASASalazar/DOST VI)