After a 40-year long wait, Pangasinan is all set to present its
bounty of artisan creations at international shows, with Manila FAME as its first stop.
The province has tapped 10 MSMEs that
deliver world-class “Made in Pangasinan” creativity under the ABOUND project
which discovers artisans and provides coaching and mentorship. The project is
bringing these MSMEs as a group to the prestigious trade exhibition for the
first time.
With the full support of Pangasinan Governor Ramon V. Guico III,
leaders of the province’s towns of Binalonan and Bolinao, and local agencies,
Governor Mon Mon (as he is affectionately called) presented the 10 micro,
small, and medium enterprises at the project’s recent launch. The MSMEs have
been carefully selected for their world-class and export-quality artistry and
products from luxurious-looking fashion pieces to home furnishings that evoke
tropical elegance, to fantastic creations that showcase the province’s
agricultural bounty and rich heritage.
The Philippines’ premier trade show Manila FAME is finally returning
on-site after three years on October
19-21 at the World Trade Center,
promising an unforgettable celebration of Filipino creativity and
craftsmanship. With the event’s return comes the province of Pangasinan’s
attendance – their first in 40 years.
“Promoting the province’s diverse creative
industries through prestigious trade events like Manila FAME is a key part of
the bigger economic growth initiatives in Pangasinan. MSMEs play a vital role
in ensuring inclusive economic growth in the province, as they can help
accelerate trade and exportation,” says Gov. Guico. “I believe that the MSMEs
joining the Manila FAME will represent the best of everything made in
Pangasinan. They embody what Pangasinan,
Ang Galing truly means.”
Herwin Buccat known as Herwitanyo, a painter from Bolinao who features surrealist and
nature-fantasy-inspired artwork. The ABOUND Team conducted one-on-one coaching
on how to interpret his works and fortify his DNA. His commissioned pieces were
then translated into art merchandise such as notebooks, tumblers, and pencils,
as well as totes, shirts, and hoodies.
Blades, hailing from Pozorrubio, produce swords
that have featured in Hollywood films. Project ABOUND has helped evolve these
collector’s items into high quality chef knives and trendy fashion accessories
such as bespoke necklaces and bracelets. Erastus from Sto. Tomas is a
furniture maker, who with the help of Project ABOUND’s product development
team, has learned new applications of materials, and now features sleek designs
that modernize home and office spaces.
ILO from Laoac is a producer of home accessories
made from locally sourced materials. Through the project, this MSME has evolved
into using industrial materials for their designs that can very well enter the
luxury market. WELAB (Women Empowerment
Livelihood Association of Binalonan) used to produce ordinary recycled
market bags. With the project’s involvement, their designs were elevated to
upcycled handbags that can be considered as a signature collection.
Alma from Pozorrubio is a producer of ethnic
droplights. After consistent collaboration and rigorous material research, the
products have become one-of-a-kind home and interior accessories characterized
by their rustic elegance. Rach based in Aguilar is a maker of
bamboo bags. With regular design and product development guidance, these
fashion accessories have transformed into chic crystal-embellished bags.
Cawayan from Bolinao utilizes buri to create bags
and mat products. After going through process development, and coloring and
molding procedures with the ABOUND team, Cawayan
weavers now make an inspired, signature bag. Joy based in Basista uses
corn husks and bangkuang for home accessories and fashion bags. The project has
helped transition the designs from a natural look to a classic luxury
aesthetic.
The youngest of this batch of MSMEs, B6 (Blessed
6) began from a group of more than 30 young individuals who have undergone and
continue to attend training and guidance through the project. With a lot of
effort and support from Mayor Ramon Ronald V. Guico IV, the current crop of
emerging artisans and entrepreneurs have produced 7 collections of espadrilles
to be launched in both domestic and international markets.
Pangasinan’s Manila FAME bid started with
the help of the Artisan Empowerment Association (AEA), which aims to elevate
MSMEs in Pangasinan, especially those specializing in handcrafted creations. It
is an initiative envisioned by esteemed businesswoman and the chair of the
board of the World Citi Group, Arlyn
Guico, and industry expert, entrepreneur and CEO of luxury brand Mele +
Marie, Rosemarie Oamil, who both
hope to show that there’s more to the province than most people think.
“Artisan Empowerment Association equips
budding designers and entrepreneurs with capacity-building resources and
opportunities like mentorship and training programs that enable them to
showcase their work to a wider market so they can uplift their lives and their
communities,” shares Ms. Guico.
“Our vision is to help Pangasinan-based artisans reach their highest
potential through quality assurance and business development. As we prepare to
present our remarkable MSMEs and their diverse product categories at Manila
FAME, our vision for a prosperous Pangasinan is more vivid than ever,” assures
Rosemarie Oamil.
Catch these top Pangasinan MSMEs and see their
incredible artisanal creations up close at the Manila FAME on October 19-21,
2023 at the World Trade Center.
Speaker Profiles
Gov. Ramon V. Guico
III
Province of
Pangasinan
Ramon V. Guico III is the current Governor
of the Province of Pangasinan, having previously served as Congressman for the
5th District of Pangasinan and Mayor of Binalonan.
Under his tenure as governor, Gov. Guico
has spearheaded a number of initiatives furthering economic development in
Pangasinan. His previous accomplishments include initiating the establishment
of the first PEZA Industrial Park which is expected to bring in at least
10,000-12,000 jobs by 2025.
As Binalonan mayor, he also led the town to
PHP 200 million annual income for the first time and initiated efforts to make
it a cleaner, plastic-free town. His work in governance has also been
recognized multiple times, earning him accolades such as the DILG Seal of Good
Governance, Most Compliant LGU, PhilHealth Agila Awards, and so much more.
Arlyn Guico and
Rosemarie Oamil
Artisan Empowerment
Association (AEA)
The Artisan Empowerment Association (AEA)
is a dynamic initiative dedicated to uplifting Pangasinan-based MSMEs,
especially those that specialize in handcrafted creations. The organization
equips budding artisans and entrepreneurs with capacity-building resources like
mentorship and training programs to help them compete in both domestic and
international markets. By realizing this vision, the organization aims to both
uplift businesses and drive further economic development in Pangasinan.
Founded in 2022, Artisan Empowerment
Association was envisioned and established by Arlyn Guico, who has grown
multiple companies in healthcare, education, leisure, aviation, and real estate
and now serves as the chair of the board of the World Citi Group, and Rosemarie
Oamil, the CEO of the luxury brand Mele + Marie that’s present in fashion
capitals – Paris, Milan, New York, London, and Dubai. Guico serves as Adviser
and Consultant, while Oamil is the Chief Strategist and Consultant for AEA.
MSMEProfiles
Herwin Buccat
(Herwitanyo Art Studio)
Herwitanyo was established in October 2012
by the self-taught, award-winning artist Herwin Buccat. Based out of Binalonan,
this art studio has garnered acclaim for its unique artistic style, which
predominantly explores surrealism and nature fantasy themes. Beyond traditional
canvases, Herwin’s artistic expression extends to streetwear apparel and
fashionable accessories.
Blades (DM Blades Metal Craft / Sword
Rubio)
Blades is comprised of two distinct
enterprises: DM Blades Metal Craft established by Marvin Diso in 2020 and Sword
Rubio founded by Franklin De Vera in 2016. The Pozorubbio-based MSME is known
not only for its rich tradition of sword-making but also for its high-quality
chef knives that rival international brands, as well as fashion accessories
like necklaces and bracelets.
WELAB (Women Empowerment Livelihood
Association of Binalonan)
WELAB was founded in October 2018 to support local women entrepreneurs
in Binalonan. The group, led by Erlinda Medina, Novelliane Diso, Marilyn
Estrada, and Macrina Villena, focuses on crafting eco-friendly, on-trend
recycled and upcycled bags that support the town’s no-plastic policy. Despite
initial challenges, WELAB restructured and now includes 79 active members. They
offer flexible, home-based bag-making opportunities that support each member
through sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Alma (Alma’s Handycrafts)
Alma’s creative prowess shines through an impressive portfolio of home
and interior accessories characterized by their rustic elegance, including
distinct rattan droplight designs that have captured the attention of the
hospitality industry. Since designer and owner Alma Andrea Lopez started the
business in 2020 in Pozorubbio, these droplights stand as her bestsellers.
Rach (Rach Ecocrafts)
Established in 2020 in Aguillar by Rowena dela Cruz, Rach specializes
in crafting chic, modern bamboo bags. Notably, this MSME has secured
partnerships with prominent retailers, including SM Kultura and Go Lokal (DTI),
underscoring the brand's reputation for quality and artistry.
Erastus (Erastus Furniture Shop)
Erastus from Sto. Tomas is a furniture maker with over 10 years of
experience. Designed and created by Erastus Rabe Velicaria, the shop offers
sleek furniture that adds a modern touch to home and office spaces.
Joy (Crafter’s Joy Husk Corn Products)
Joy by Jocelyn Ong Perez utilizes corn husks to show creative ways to
turn something that’s usually discarded into creations for keeps. Usually, corn
husks are thrown away and considered agricultural waste. Established in 2007,
the Basista-based shop crafts elegant bags and storage baskets that reflect the
region's rich agricultural heritage and celebrate sustainability.
Cawayan (Kawayan Nature PH)
Cawayan is a testament to the craftsmanship of the weaving community of
Bolinao. The 2019 venture makes use of buri
leaves to create unique bags that compete with those designed by luxury
labels. Established by then-Maldives-based OFW Precious Cayaon, this MSME is
dedicated to preserving traditional craftsmanship and using local materials
that generate a new source of income for the community.
ILO (Ilokana Handicrafts Manufacturing)
Ilo was established in September 2020 by Ma. Cherrlyn Aliaga and
Cherryvie Baltazar in Laoac. This artisanal powerhouse is well-known for its
expertise in crafting home accessories made from locally sourced materials and
has now evolved to using industrial materials for its designs. Their success
has led them to invest in training local staff and workers from the community.
Currently, they employ 40 to 50 individuals, with 70% working part-time and 30%
on a full-time basis.
B6 (Blessed Six)
Young entrepreneurs
Joyce Raiza Jaranay, Ronalyn Roy, Adriane Gombio, Joseph Bryan Gombio, Johann
Mykant Surat, and Dangela Mae Sayaboc make up B6, which was created in 2020.
Hailing from low- or middle-income families living in Binalonan, B6’s primary
focus lies in the creation of timeless and stylish footwear including
espadrilles, which serve as a canvas for their artistic expression and
craftsmanship. Having previously partnered with the Department of Trade and
Industry (DTI) of Marikina and the Philippine Footwear Federation Inc. (PFFI),
they have embarked on a transformative six-week training program in footwear
production, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to turn their
aspirations into reality.
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