TACLOBAN CITY (PIA) – Native handicrafts made from coconut shells and carabao horns, and the “banig” made primarily from tikog, a special reed grass, were named the top two export products of the region by the Department of Trade and Industry Region 8.
In the latest “Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas,” DTI-8 Regional Director Celerina Bato said the native handicrafts and banig products of Leyte and Samar, respectively, are generating income for micro, small and medium enterprises in the region after penetrating the international market.
Bato underscored that the blend of tradition and innovation has propelled these products to the global stage.
“With constant innovation, firm commitment and ultimate market matching in local and international trade fairs, our MSMEs have been noticed by the international market,” Bato added.
Native handicrafts from Leyte are made from upcycled carabao horn waste products into export-quality gifts and home decor, and upcycled coconut shells into multipurpose home utilities and fashion accessories.
With the popularity of the pliant but durable tikog material, Basey’s banig MSMEs have produced export-quality banig products such as traditional banig or sleeping mats; bags and fashion accessories such as slippers, sandals and tote bags; storage and utility items such as woven boxes and hampers, storage boxes and organizers, and laptop sleeves; and festival and souvenir items such as woven hats and fans, tikog-covered notebooks and journals, key chains and souvenir items.
Through its various programs and services, DTI empowers MSMEs, helping them grow, thrive and expand into markets beyond Eastern Visayas.
The DTI-8 said part of its services are product development, skills training, upscaling and entrepreneurial skills for MSMEs to produce world-class products capable of thriving in the global marketplace.
The yearly Bahandi Trade Fair, held in Manila, is the region’s ultimate market matching to attract local and international markets. In 2024, Bahandi earned the region P48 million from 156 exhibitors. (ACR/PIA Leyte)
