General santos: Joining a trade fair has opened a new market for the Antique bamboo craft in Mindanao, particularly in General Santos. The Ramon Magsaysay Bamboocrafters Association (RMBA) in the municipality of San Remigio shipped products for their reseller in General Santos on Feb. 8 and April 22 this year. They met the reseller during the National Arts and Crafts Fair organized by the Department of Trade and Industry in Mandaluyong City last year.

According to Philippines News Agency, RMBA president Irele Mahimpit mentioned that the association achieved gross sales of PHP83,000 over just five days during the National Arts and Crafts Fair. This event not only provided significant market exposure but also helped them connect with a reseller in General Santos. The shipments dispatched included bags, baskets, and 'sadok' or native wide-brim hats, which were identified by the reseller as unique products.

One of the notable products, a bag with a patadyong (handwoven fabric) accent, was designed by Senator Loren Legarda. The association currently comprises 33 members, among them four housewives who have successfully transitioned from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. Mahimpit stated that a bamboo crafter can earn between PHP3,500 to PHP7,000 monthly from crafting bags, contingent upon the delivery schedule.

With the expanding market, Mahimpit has requested equipment such as a bamboo strip processing machine from the Department of Labor and Employment to enhance their production efficiency. Currently, the crafters rely on a bolo for making bamboo strips, a process that is both time-consuming and labor-intensive. The association also plans to establish a bamboo craft production center to support their growing operations.