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Geothermal Industry
Tiwi is proud to claim to have been the first town in the Bicol Region to be fully energized--even the remotest sitio of the
farthest barangay enjoys electric service. Thanks to its geothermal resource. For over 20 years, since the start of its commercial
operation in 1979, the Tiwi Geothermal Power Plants (TGPP), can contribute 330 megawatts of maximum geothermal capacity to
the Luzon grid. With the planned rehabilitation of TGPP coming to reality the following year 2003, the royalty tax derived
from the maximal utilization of the full capacity of TGPP can boost the economic leverage of the municipality for its turbo
development efforts. And, with the LGU granting substantial electric subsidy, foreign and local investors will have the best
viable option to invest in the contemplated Tiwi Economic Zone in Brgy. San Bernardo. It is very simple: low power cost means
low cost of doing business, which in turn means more profit.
Cottage Industries
Caragumoy and abaca-based cottage industries are highly concentrated in upland barangays. Sinamay, banig, baskets, and bags
with various symbolic designs usually floral are among the people's splendid handicrafts.
Eco-Tourism
The foremost mini-coral island of Kurangon within the municipal water of Brgy. Baybay, the spring resort in Brgy. Cale, the
Bugsukan Falls in Brgy. Misibis, the mini-falls in Brgy. Lourdes, the beach resorts in barangays Sugod and Lourdes, the Taqui
cave and waterfalls in Brgy. San Bernardo, and Busay Falls in barangays Biyong and Cale are among the municipality.
The PHILCERAMICS
BRIEF HISTORY
The Philippine Ceramics Arts & Crafts Center (PHILCERAMICS) is a “state-of-the-art” terracotta (cera-mics)
production center in the Bicol Region. It is one of the projects of the Department of Trade and Industry funded by the Philippine
Government under the General Appropriations Act of 1994, facili-tated through the efforts of then Representative Edcel C.
Lagman of the 1st District of Albay. It aims to propel the development of the terracotta (TC) industry in the Bicol Region
towards global competitive-ness. The building, situated on a 1,500 square meter lot donated by the Barangay Council of Putsan
to DTI-Albay, has a total floor area of 1,000 square meters.
The Centeroperationalization com-menced in January 2001 under the close supervision of DTI while strengthening the partner
organi-zation. A Caretaker ma-nages the day-to-day activities at the site.
OBJECTIVES
Specifically, the PHILCERAMICS, mandated to undertake research and development activities, serves as a training center to
hone the skills of the local producers that will give rise to new breed of TC entrepreneurs. It provides access to the state-of-the-art
facilities for common use [CSF], thus enable local producers to manufacture export quality product. It seeks to improve the
quality of products with the transfer of appropriate technology.
SERVICES
As a product development center, it conducts continuing product development activities in coordination with the PDDCP and
other agencies. A training center, it provides series of basic and advance skills trainings to potential and existing TC workers,
producers and entrepreneurs. For trade development, it conducts activities to enhance the marketability of the terracotta
wares such as trade seminars and fora, trade fair participation and market matching. As a production center, it provides common
service facilities for clay processing, kiln firing, casting, use of spray booth, and electric throwing machines. It is also
a display center providing a space to interested local producers who wish to maintain an exhibit of their products.
AGENCIES INVOLVED
The Provincial Office of the Department of Trade & Industry (DTI-Albay) is the lead agency. The Department of Public
Works & Highways Region V, in-charge of building and road construction; the Philippine International Trading Corporation
(PITC), for machinery and equipment sourcing; the Product Development and Design Center of the Philippine (PDDCP), for design
conceptualization and development; the Local Government Units—the Municipal Government of Tiwi, for financial support;
and Barangay Council of Putsan, for project site, are the support agencies.
MAJOR PLAYERS
The pottery makers of barangays Putsan, Bolo and Baybay and the Putsan Ceramic Manufacturers Association, Inc. are the major
players.
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