SIQUIJOR, Siquijor (PIA) -- Various women’s groups in Siquijor were given the chance to display their products at the “Chit Chat Shop,” a women’s bazaar recently launched by the provincial government here. 

The bazaar aimed to help boost the livelihood projects of the women’s organizations that have benefited from the different livelihood grants extended by the government. 

The shop was set up at the Siquijor Boulevard and showcased locally made products of the women’s federation groups from each municipality . 

Lorna Sumalpong, 51, said the bazaar was a huge opportunity to showcase the products of their women’s groups in Lazi town. 

“Pasalamat gyud mi sa higayon kay nakadisplay mi sa among mga produkto ug kadtong mga kabayen-an nga walay lingaw, nadasig gyud ug nausa pud ang mga katawhan sa maong kalihukan,” said Sumalpong, who is president of both Lazi Women’s Federation and Upper Cabangcalan Women’s Association. 

(We are really thankful for the opportunity because we were able to display our products and those women who have nothing to do were really inspired and the locals all came together in this event.)

The two organizations displayed bed sheets, curtains, rags, pajamas, dresses, chopping boards, brooms, and other items that the association members made themselves.

Sumalpong said it would be ideal if the provincial government would continue to hold the bazaar every year. 

“Pachada ug makanunay,” she said. (It would be best if this would be sustained.)

The Upper Cabangcalan Women’s Association is a beneficiary of nearly P500,000 in funding aid from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for its garment production. 

Around P300,000 was also released to the organization in January of this year from DOLE’s Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP).

DOLE-DILP provides assistance through grants to individuals and groups and can be used to start a livelihood project, expand or upgrade an existing project, restore or re-establish existing livelihood projects destroyed due to natural and human-made disasters, or transform existing livelihood assistance to community/group enterprises.

Board Member Brylle Deeiah Tumarong-Quio, Sangguniang Panlalawigan committee chair on Health and Social Services and Women, said they plan to hold the bazaar every year to provide more support to women-run organizations and women entrepreneurs. 

“This is our way of showing support to all businesswomen who strive hard to gain additional income for their family by promoting their products,” said Quio. 

Another entrepreneur who joined the bazaar was Rea Selim Hernandez, 31, who started her business, Rea’s Dried Flowers and Gift Shop, in January this year. 

“Well-organized, ilaha gyud gitagaan og highlight ang  women ug nag-effort gyud nga makadisplay sa ilang mga products,” said Hernandez.

(The bazaar was well-organized. It really highlighted  women entrepreneurs who showcased their products.)

Hernandez came up with the idea of handcrafting and selling dried flowers because it is not common in Siquijor. 

“Ni try ko, kay since ang mga tawo sa isla mangita ug affordable fancy flowers. Mas barato pud siya timeless, ug lasting nga product kay dili man siya dali madaut, dili na pud malaya parehas sa fresh flowers,” she said. 

(I tried this kind of craft because I noticed that the residents here are looking for affordable fancy flowers. They are cheaper, timeless, and lasting. They do not break easily nor wilt compared to fresh flowers.)

Hernandez said the bazaar was a big help in promoting her products, especially since she has just started her nosiness. 

“Nalipay gyud mi ug ako pud gi-encourage ang uban nga naghimo para mapromote pud ang products. Dili mi kaayo daghan ug halin kay bag-o pa man mi. Wala lang sa mi naghun-huna ug sales, ang amoa lang ang exposure nga makita sa mga tawo nga existing na diay ning in-ani sa Isla,” she said. 

(I encourage others who are in the crafting industry to display and promote their products as well. We don't have many sales because we are still new. We’re not thinking about sales yet, what we need is the exposure that people can see so that people will know that we have these kinds of arts on the island.) (RAC/CAG/MFH/PIA7)