Reviving Tinago water hyacinth handicraft business success

By Missy D. Anonuevo, Angeline T. Benito, and

Jeremy C. Medrano (BS Entrepreneurship, BISCAST)

THE Tinago Water Hyacinth Handicraft Development Association (TIWHHADA) was established in 2011 by Barangay Captain Jose “Toti” Importante.

It thrived by transforming water hyacinth into various handicrafts, inspired by Pasig's livelihood project. This program in Barangay Tinago aimed to promote environmental sustainability and provide employment, primarily for women and mothers in the community. Initially a part-time opportunity, it quickly became a full-time source of income for many.

The local government of Naga fully supported TIWHHADA from the outset, offering residents extensive training from handicraft experts in Albay and Laguna. This training equipped them with the skills to create quality water hyacinth products. Afterward, the remaining materials and equipment were given to them as starting capital.

The association received funding from the Department of Trade and Industry and Metro PESO, gaining recognition for producing high-quality handicrafts sold at trade fairs and through orders. Its vision was to export products, attract sponsorships, and use eco-friendly materials to enhance Tinago residents' livelihoods.

Metro PESO assisted TIWHHADA by connecting them with suppliers for raw materials, initially sourced from Bagumbayan. However, due to occasional shortages, they expanded their sourcing to places like Buhi, Bato, Canaman, and currently, Minalabac. TIWHHADA has been part of the Naga Grow Negosyo program, benefiting from free trade fair booths, promotions, training, and seminars to improve their business.

The association creates a wide array of artistic crafts, including sashes, corsages, jewelry, tissue holders, purses, wallets, piggy banks, vases, desk organizers, boxes, baskets, picture frames, invitations, parols, home decor, wine holders, pencil holders, placemats, and custom items. Their best-selling products are native bags and pouches. Bag prices range from 450 pesos for the largest to 150 pesos for the smallest. Customized tokens and giveaways cost up to 150 pesos. Christmas parols are priced between 1,500 pesos and 150 pesos, with custom designs exceeding 1,500 pesos.

With the local government's help, TIWHHADA received numerous orders, at its peak selling over 3,000 bags and 1,000 to 2,000 other products per order, generating substantial income. The LGU of Naga and Grow Negosyo members supported the association with bulk orders for giveaways.

The pandemic severely impacted TIWHHADA, reducing its workforce and production. Now, only four pioneer workers manage the association while seeking more stable income sources. However, they remain available for bulk orders of a thousand pieces or more. Salve Delfina, a pioneer worker, continues managing the association with Barangay Captain Estelita Bautista and the council committee on livelihood, striving to provide employment and gain recognition beyond Naga.

Salve conducts workshops, especially in Minalabac, to promote the association and support livelihood opportunities. Despite facing uncertainty due to a lack of daily income, she perseveres thanks to ongoing support from LGU Naga, Metro PESO, and DTI. TIWHHADA is currently unable to attend trade fairs due to their scarcity, limiting product promotion. The Barangay of Tinago plans to relocate its facilities to a more strategic location to attract customers, a proposal under discussion by association members and officials.

TIWHHADA envisions returning to its former success, with more active participation and numerous workers. Salve believes that with continued support from local government programs, the Department of Trade and Industry, and other organizations, as well as the association's dedication, the business will grow and be embraced by the wider community.