Jairus Dorero, owner of Jam Wood and Bamboo Crafts Furniture Shop in Columbio, Sultan Kudarat, can turn a simple bamboo into a beautiful work of art.

Just like the endless possibilities of bamboo as a sustainable and eco-friendly material, Dorero, an unassuming 29-year-old artisan, changed his stature in life out of sheer hard work and determination by turning sticks of bamboo into a thriving business.

He confessed that his dreams started small by making handmade home decorations and intricate crafts like baskets out of bamboo.

Thanks to his imagination and vivid vision for the future, he was able to carve out his own furniture shop and run his business, generating income from what he loves doing best.

“Masaya ako dahil nakamtan ko ang pangarap ko sa pamamagitan ng pagtitiyaga and determinasyon [I am happy that I was able to achieve my dream due to my perseverance and determination],” he noted.

True enough, in 2019, a good opportunity came to Dorero. He became one of the beneficiaries of the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) Kabuhayan Program, or the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), in Region 12.

Through the program, he was able to acquire various tools and equipment to help him boost his simple business endeavor, expressing his deepest appreciation for such assistance.

Dorero, taking time to master his craft, has earned the trust of his clients with his eye for details and attention to quality in every product he crafted.

His hard work and dedication to his craft cemented his reputation as one of the premier bamboo craftsmen in the region.

With the help of the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Treasures of Region 12 Trade Fair held in Makati City, Dorero was able to showcase and bring his products into a larger stream of opportunities, gaining a wider network of clients while sharing his passion with other bamboo enthusiasts in the country.

Looking back at his humble beginnings, Dorero is still in awe of how his small business has grown, conveying his gratitude to the government, which has continuously helped entrepreneurs like him eke out a chance in the furniture industry.

“Sa kasalukuyan ay nakapag hire po ako ng 7 employees na kasama sa paggawa ng aming mga produkto gaya ng mesa, upuan, aparador, bintana at marami pang iba na kapaki-pakinabang sa mga kababayan namin lalong-lalo na sa tumatangkilik ng aming produkto,” Dorero said.

[Currently, I have hired seven employees to help manufacture our products, such as tables, chairs, wardrobes, windows, and many others that are useful to people, especially our patrons who enjoy our products.]

Dorero expressed confidence that he will soon be treading into bigger dreams, starting with shipping his products throughout the country and perhaps soon enough internationally.

Hence, as the Jam Wood and Bamboo Crafts Furniture Shop continues to grow in Sultan Kudarat, Dorero also hopes to set an example to motivate other aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere to follow their passion by listening to their hearts.

And the next thing you know, you are starting to hone your crafts and making determination and perseverance the weapons to hurdle challenges that pave the way for success, he said.

Just like it did to him. (AMB/CTA – PIA Region 12)