BUTUAN CITY –  Members of the indigenous group, Agusan del Norte IP Women Organization (ANIPWO), Inc.,  recently opened a souvenir shop to showcase their handmade crafts.

The indigenous women from the Mamanwa, Manobo and Higaonon tribes in the province of Agusan del Norte started to display their crafts to the public such as  beads, embroidered bags, tribal dress and costumes, among others.

The shop is named, “Hungos Tu Kabujagan” or unity among women, strategically located at Purok 1, Brgy. Poblacion 1 in Santiago town.

Initially, these indigenous women received artisan and skills training from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).  

“Tungod sa mga trainings nga gihatag kanamo, nakakat-on kami, nalipay kaayo mi nga mga kababayen-an kay gitagaan mi ug pagtagad, gitudloan nga makat-on ug adunay pangita aron makasulbad sa among mga panginahanglanon (Because of the trainings provided to us, we gained knowledge and skills, and we are very happy because we were given attention, empowered to learn, and opened opportunities to earn a living),” said Bae Leonida Rebollo, chairperson of the board of directors of the ANIPWO, Inc.

The project of putting a shop for the IP women where they can unveil and exhibit their masterpieces, according to National Commission for Indigenous Peoples - Agusan del Norte Provincial Officer Cierona Cutar-Molaan, is part of the provincial government’s Gender and Development (GAD) program that empowered them to inspire everyone to have a deeper understanding of their cultural expressions and preserve the art and skills in beads making and embroidery which were passed on to them by their ancestors.

The shop is managed and owned by the group, with the support of NCIP, provincial government of Agusan del Norte through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) , Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), DTI - Agusan del Norte, TESDA, and 2nd Congressional District Office of Agusan del Norte. 

It is also Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PHILGEPS) registered and has started to accept orders including from walk-in customers. (NCLM/PIA Agusan del Norte with photos courtesy of NCIP-Agusan del Norte)