THE BUSINESS OF WEAVING

The business of weaving THE women of Tubigon, Bohol have proven that there are other ways to help their families than just by staying home and being full-time mothers and wives. The Department of Trade and Industry organized Tubigon’s women, mostly wives of farmers and fishers, in 1989 under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program. The group had an initial capital of P5,000 from the 30 founding members. It was four years later that the women decided to become a cooperative. The trade and industry department did not push the Tubigon women to organize themselves formally into a cooperative. But the department provided assistance in other forms, including training on basic skills and weaving. The group, which is known as Tubigon, Bohol Loomweavers Multi-Purpose Cooperative, was also trained to participate in trade fairs and exhibits. A small and medium enterprises counselor also helped the cooperative on organization, work simplification and safety measures. The group’s products are mostly made from raffia, which is fiber extracted from the unopened young leaf of the buri palm. The products include placemats, table runners and beach and prayer mats. The cooperative’s clients include exporters, interior decorators, tourists, events organizers and traders. The Tubigon cooperative is now the second largest producer of raffia woven products in Bohol. The group’s 30 original members has expanded to 100. The cooperative is now a P1.5-million enterprise. Each of the women earns an average of P4,000 a month. The members have acquired properties and these are shared with other community members. The group’s members also sponsor civic activities. The cooperative’s plans for the future include buying two additional lots to accommodate a second production center and acquiring more handlooms. Business,marketing,Entrepreneur,Entrepreneurship,cooperative