Disenyo Ilonggo: A showcase of artistry and entrepreneurship
William Agasa, DTI Provincial Director
Diosdado Cadena Jr., Rev Fr Nelson
Silvela, Gina Garcia and TSKI's
Julie Encontro
* Also dubbed as a "Kauswagan Trade Fair," Disenyo Ilonggo showcases products made of indigenous materials or local expertise
Lola Charing's Furniture
Any observant Ilonggo would notice that gradually, our very own products have been given a boost. This was made possible through the linkages among government agencies concerned, non-government organizations and the creativity of the Ilonggo.
Another event that highlights this successful formula for the economy's good is Disenyo Ilonggo, which opened at SM City Iloilo last Aug. 27, 2007.
Evelyn Jiz at the J&L Hablon
Products booth
This weeklong event is a project of the Ilonggo Micro Entrepreneur Multi-Purpose Cooperation in cooperation with Taytay sa Kauswagan (TSKI), Inc and supported by Fundacion Codespa, Concepcion Española and the Department of Trade and Industry.
Also dubbed as a 'Kauswagan Trade Fair," Disenyo Ilonggo showcases products made of indigenous materials or local expertise.
Boylen Marketing
Ed Arroyo, president of the cooperative, said that producers benefit a lot from trade fairs such as this. "They can expose their products through this trade fair. Also, they can join such activity at a lesser cost because our cooperative charges cheaper," he said.
He also stressed that by being a member of the cooperative, one can avail of product development assistance through transfer of technical expertise and eventually, financial support. Marketing is also made easy because the members themselves buy from each other as well as help in information dissemination.
Rose Garden's flowers
Arroyo said that he plans to put up a showroom. "This way, the products of the members will be showcased on a fixed place. This will really help them earn more. One proof is that, some of the products at this trade fair were already sold out," he said.
Fast Facts on the Exhibitors
Biscocho Haus, the leader in pasalubong, is one of the exhibitors. Biscocho Haus, managed by Gerry Guadarrama, has been in existence for decades. Their stores are almost always packed with people buying Ilonggo delicacies from butterscotch, barquillos, piyaya, banana marble, and of course the ever famous biscocho (toasted bread coated with milk and sugar).
Iloilo Pottery
Existing for two years now and owned by Gilbert Contreras, Em Em's Native Products sells bags, wallets and accessories made of lupiz (a combination of coco husk and abaca) and abaca.
Alvis' Native Products also sells bags and wallets made of abaca and accessories. They had been in business for three years.
Panubli Arts and Crafts
J and L Hablon Products are displaying their hablon and jusi barong, among others. Owned by Evelyn Jiz, this business had been existing for 13 years and employs 10 weavers.
Bitsy Bebsy specializes in bags made of abaca, accessories made of wood, shells or leather. The business had been existing for seven years and they have branches in Robinsons Mall and SM City Iloilo.
Em Em's Native Products
Lola Charing's Furniture, for two years, had been specializing in accessories made of indigenous materials, tables and chairs, decors made of terracotta, and more. They make use of narra, molave, acacia and mahogany for their furniture.
Boyel Marketing's lamps are fast-selling especially for hotels and resorts. Owned by Elsa Chavez, Boyel offers products like floor lamps, table lamps, wall lamps, console tables, coffee tables, side tables and other home decors. They make use of fossilized leaves, abaca twines, rattan, bamboo and handmade papers.
Native accessories by Maharlika
Bahandi
Rodson, which had been existing for 41 years and managed by Akim Rodellado, is an expert in wood products. They can turn this simple bounty of nature into wonderful works of art through furniture, home accessories and more.
Ginfil's Accessories, for one year, had been selling accessories and bags.
Akim Rodellado of Rodson's
Other exhibitors are Kace's Figurines, RTJ Accessories for bags, Franz Baf Native Products at the Central Market, Maharlika Bahandi for accessories made of indigenous materials gathered from the group's travels, Contemplative Outreach to the Poor Inc for native products, barong, wallets and kitchen wear made of coconut shells, Panubli Arts and Crafts for decors that are made of ball clay designed by Gina Garcia, Rose Garden that offers flowers, plants and landscaping, Kenjay's for bags, wallets, slippers and accessories.
Escom Herbal Products
Ilonggos are also good in formulating health products, like Escom Herbal Products. Its products aim to heal conditions like stress, deficiencies, insomnia, goiter, tuberculosis and memory enhancer, among others.