San Miguel's growing livelihood projects
The hard-working municipal officals of San Miguel
* The RMC Loofah Marketing of 5R Cablas Loofah Farm are growers and lone manufacturers of Loofah in the province of Iloilo that offer a wide and innovative range of products
San Miguel does not have that colonial air where most areas in the province boast of rich and significant historic architectural structures from the colonial period and claim a rich tapestry of architectural styles. It is a small and hospitable town with a beehive of productive livelihood support activities that are self-reliant and self-managed.
With the problematic economic situation of most towns, it is very difficult to find employment. But this peaceful town boasts of projects for community development and livelihood improvement in fighting poverty, and has continuously supported the town in achieving economic prosperity and social development drawn upon its heritage of industry and making use of its untapped sources of new wealth.
The WVCST Tumandok group at the Mushroom
Culture Center.
The RMC Loofah Marketing of 5R Cablas Loofah Farm are growers and lone manufacturers of Loofah in the province of Iloilo that offer a wide and innovative range of products, trying to cover the continuously growing and versatile demands for this magnificent product. They produce good quality loofah body sponge from an angled luffa variety of Patola, stripped of its skin, seeds removed and dried until it becomes a "loofah". It is used as a sponge or scrub to remove dead skin flakes in the bath. Its products, mostly body scrubs are available in a variety of models, designed to meet real needs, as regarding size, texture and finish.
After buying the retired ropes, Morita Sancio, a resident of Barangay 6, Santiago St., consolidates them into her 45-year old licensed rope recycling business. A rope is retired after five years in service and 10 years after its manufacturing date. However, there are some ropes may need to be retired earlier depending on usage and a number of other variables. The nylon from these ropes is made into things like furniture and carpet fuzz, coat hangers, and all types of everyday household items.
Body scrubs made of luffa are ready for the market.
Traditional pots are made by women group led by Lola Gloria Paris, a 78-year old potter based in Barangay San Jose. The product is rooted to the Filipino culture as a domestic utensil. Potters are taking the trade as an important source of income which is in turn also enabling us Ilonggos to promote the use of cultural heritage home utensils like pottery. However, it is important to add that the products, mostly kolon, kalan, flower pots, banga and even kaldero, are made according to indigenous labour intensive methods using local materials. It is also important to stress here that these traditional pottery product are environmental friendly and non-harmful.
Mushroom growing is one of the more successful stories in agriculture for this town. Mushrooms have growing houses where they are harvested over a period of several weeks and then the house is emptied and steam-sterilized before the process begins again. The harvested mushrooms are set in delivery carts, refrigerated and then packaged and shipped quickly to supermarkets, food processors and restaurants.
Luffa husks
Thanks to the industry, courage and the indomitable spirit of its people, led by their municipal mayor, Hon. Gregorio S. Villarico, San Miguel has established itself as one of the more progressive towns in the province of Iloilo.
Come and visit San Miguel and discover the wonder of this town.