La union: Pots bought from the Taboc Mannamili Association in this town are more than just clay products that can be bought as souvenirs, as each of them symbolizes the dreams of the members of the community.
According to Philippines News Agency, Ana Casison, 66, and her husband Danilo, both pot makers and members of the association, dreamed of providing for the needs of their three children. Aside from their regular jobs, they engaged in pot making as a side hustle. Ana shared that she inherited the skill from her parents and learned it during her childhood, which supported her education as her parents were farmers.
When it was time for Ana to send her own children to school, she admitted that their combined income was insufficient. She resorted to making pottery during her days off, selling finished products to supplement her children's tuition fees. Her efforts paid off as two of her children pursued engineering, and one studied Hotel and Restaurant Management. Now, Ana is retired, and all her children have graduated and are working.
Ana expressed her gratitude to those who patronize their products, encouraging them to promote the pottery to others. Reynaldo Valenzuela, 54, president of the Taboc Mannamili Association, noted that the Casison family is just one example of how pottery has helped many families in the community achieve their dreams.
Valenzuela highlighted the crucial role of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Ilocos regional office, which provided machinery and equipment support such as clay mixers and potter's wheels, doubling their production capacity. The community's pot makers formed an association to access more government services, including the Shared Service Facility of the DTI, and have participated in trade fairs with local government backing.
Additionally, Valenzuela mentioned that they offer tourists a first-hand pottery experience. The Taboc Mannamili Association is part of the RANIAG creative tour, aiming to promote local creators and micro, small, and medium enterprises in Pangasinan and La Union, connecting them with new customers and opportunities beyond trade fairs and exhibits.
