Jewelry making in Meycauayan: a strong chain to attain progress

    

    The nature of Philippines is gifted of minerals in abundance. In fact, the Philippines is considered today as one of the leading producers of gold in Asia. It ranks as the ninth among the largest producing jewelry industry. The richest gold mines are Benguet, Isabela, Masbate, Southern Leyte, Zamboanga, Agusan, Misamis Oriental, Surigao, Davao Oriental and South Cotabato. Jewelry raw materials such as silver and other semi-precious stones are available but it availability is not enough to meet the demands of the industry.

    Today's center of gold jewelry making in the country, Meycauayan, Bulacan, claimed that their skill was acquire from the Chinese settlers in the town before the arrival of Spanish Conquest. The skill was honed generation after generation of handling down techniques which laterproved to become a major source of livelihood of families in Meycauayan. of the  Now, there are 10,000 jewelry shops in Meycauayan that employs of average of five family. The jewelry industry employs in estimated employment of 100,000 and have the average monthly income of php7,000.The jewelry industry's market US$30 million to US$350 in year 1985. 

Source: Jewelry 2001 Handbook/Pamphlet (for 4th Philippine international jewelry exhibition)