Manila: In the heart of San Antonio, Pila, Laguna, a small workshop quietly thrives-not just in profit, but in purpose. It's called RolyoLikha Handicrafts At Iba Pa, the brainchild of Renel Batralo, a man who turned scraps into beauty and adversity into opportunity. But what truly sets his business apart is a mindset that defies the norms of entrepreneurship: He does not see others in his industry as competitors. He sees them as partners.
According to Philippines News Agency, the name RolyoLikha is a tribute to his roots. His first handcrafted item back in college was a pencil case made from rolled newspaper; thus the play of words rolyo and likha. His creative journey began even earlier, back in 1999 during his high school days, when he started crafting out of curiosity and love for making things by hand. With just PHP1,000, he officially started his business in 2008. From working alone, his circle grew to include his parents, siblings, neighbors, and eventually student-weavers from nearby towns like Cavinti and Luisiana. Today, his shop employs six full-time workers and supports several home-based weavers, including persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and students. Even their spouses help out. It's a true community enterprise, where success is shared.
In 2014, Typhoon Glenda wiped out Renel's growing business. He was left with only PHP300 in his pocket. Half of it, he gave to his brother for college expenses. With the remaining PHP150, he bought plastic cups-not for drinking, but for creating Christmas lanterns. "It's not important to have a big capital when starting a business," Batralo said. "Your greatest capital is your skill and passion." He further emphasized that the real investment lies within every person who dreams of having their own business. "Ang kailangan mo muna dito is yung sarili mo, yung proper mindset. 'Yung positibo lagi ang naiisip natin," he said. "Kahit mawala man lahat ng tools na meron ka, 'yung skills mo nasa kamay mo. Yun ang pinakamalaking puhunan," he added.
In an industry where survival often depends on market share, Batralo has a different philosophy. "You may consider others as competitors, but let's convert the competition to something positive. They can be our partners, not enemies." This is more than just words. When RolyoLikha receives large orders, Batralo shares the workload with other local artisans and micro-entrepreneurs. "Kapag nagkaroon tayo ng maraming order, ipasa natin yung iba sa kanila, para kumita sila, at kumikita din tayo." The ripple effect is real: from the gathering of raw materials-water lily, rattan, coconut shells, newspaper, driftwood, buri, nito, and more-to product creation to tricycle drivers delivering goods, each member of the community earns.
Batralo's mission now extends beyond his own workshop. As a recognized national trainer by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), he teaches communities across the country how to craft products using indigenous and upcycled materials. "We create new trainers, new handicraft makers, new manufacturers. They become our partners," he said. This mindset of abundance, rather than scarcity, has helped not only his own business to grow but also an entire network of artisans to thrive.
He is grateful for the support of government agencies like the DTI and the provincial government of Laguna. "Simula pa lang, ang DTI na ang umalalay, sa permits, trainings, at seminars. Talagang aakayin ka sa iyong pangarap na lumago ang negosyo," he said. He shared that the provincial government also plays a vital role by including his products in tourism promotions and events. Visitors, including celebrities, make it a point to visit his shop, bringing both attention and validation to his work. Awards such as those from the Productivity Olympics of the Department of Labor and Employment and the Likhang Laguna honor have further boosted his confidence. "These recognitions inspire me to deliver even better products and services to our customers," he said.
Batralo was one of the 300 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) owners who participated in the Bagong Pilipinas National Trade Fair at the SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City from July 23 to July 27. First Lady Marie Louise Araneta-Marcos, DTI Secretary Cristina Roque, and Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion opened the fair as the national government aims to strengthen the MSME sector by providing a national platform for high-value products and modern digital business solutions. According to the DTI, MSMEs make up 99.5 percent of all business establishments nationwide, and they employ 62 percent of the country's labor force. The five-day fair demonstrated how traditional Filipino craftsmanship can compete in modern markets while preserving cultural heritage and supporting local communities, reflecting the administration's expanded understanding of tourism products of distinctive community talents. It helped local manufacturers and artisans to reach broader markets while reinforcing the government's commitm ent to promoting Filipino-made products both domestically and internationally.
Republic Act (RA) 9501 of 2008 promotes entrepreneurship by strengthening development and assistance programs for MSMEs, amending RA 6977, or the Magna Carta for Small Enterprises, for this purpose. In line with this, the MSME Development Week is celebrated every second week of July. In his 2024 State of the Nation Address, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. noted that "food, culture, heritage and the arts, education, halal and Islamic traditions, dive, cruise, farm and eco-tourism, and sports have become potent subjects and products of a nation's tourism." Marcos called for the elevation of the "one town, one product" concept beyond its traditional limits. Batralo is one of those who continue to respond to this call. His story is not just about rebuilding after disaster or making a living through crafts. It's about redefining what it means to do business-with heart, with purpose, and with others in mind. At RolyoLikha Handicrafts At Iba Pa, he defined business not as a battlefield but as a bayanihan-a shared endeavor where everyone lifts each other up.
