1. Marketing of Anahaw Fans in Quezon Province, Philippines
Arsenio B. Ella
Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), College, Laguna 4031 Philippines
Anie C. Merida
College of Forestry and Natural Resources (CFNR), University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), College,Laguna 4031 Philippines

2. Anahaw (Livistona rotundifolia) is an erect palm that grows naturally in the forest. It is widely distributed in the Philippines. The plant’s leaves are weaved into handicrafts or used for thatching houses. Anahaw fan making involves raw material collection, drying, preliminary weaving, tightening of edges, final weaving and fixing of handles.
The fans have designs that are plain, shell-shaped, sabbath and heart-shaped. They cost from Php 5.00-Php10.00 (US$0.10-US$0.21) per piece and an average Php6, (US$128) is the monthly sale.

3. A. Raw Material Collection Cost (Php/US$)
Processed leaves
(15-20 pcs per bundle)
20.00/0.42
Unprocessed leaves
(per leaf at farm gate price)
1.75/0.03
B. Production Labor
Fan weaver (for every 100 pcs of anahaw fans)
30.00/0.64
Fixer of fan (for every 100 pcs of handles)
15.00/0.32

4. Local producers sell anahaw fans by word-of-mouth
Local producers sell anahaw fans by word-of-mouth. They display them in front of houses as well. The market outlets are retailers, wholesalers and exporters. However, marketing setbacks are experienced such as delayed payment, seasonal demand for fans and order cancellation.

5. Finished anahaw fan products are display and sell in front of houses.

6. Recommendations were made to improve the marketing of anahaw fans:
To form a fan producers’ cooperative;
For government to boost the anahaw fan industry by:
* sponsoring trade fairs
* fabricating a dryer for anahaw leaves and fans for use during rainy season
* conduct training activities on anahaw propagation and plantation establishment
To prepare an economic and financial feasibility study to determine the product’s viability and attract entrepreneurs to manufacture anahaw fans.