Patrick Uyguangco Gabutina, Creative Director of Tinabuan Arts and Crafts, shared during an episode of Talakayan sa PIA at SM CDO Downtown that while many bag makers exist, Tinabuan Arts and Crafts focuses on selling the story behind each piece. (Photo: ALAO/PIA-10)
LAGONGLONG, Misamis Oriental — In this quiet town, a group of artisans is keeping an ancient tradition alive. They transform abaca fibers into handwoven bags that tell stories of the past, culture and people’s lives.
For Tinabuan Arts and Crafts, it’s not just a business but a mission to share a heritage passed down through generations.
“It’s not just about making bags. We sell the story behind each piece,” said Patrick Uyguangco Gabutina, Tinabuan Arts and Crafts creative director, during an episode of Talakayan sa PIA.
Holding up a piece made by a Matigsalug woman from San Fernando, Bukidnon, Gabutina emphasized that every stitch carries the spirit of the maker.
The journey
Initially, the Tinabuan team tried to make each bag identical, aiming for symmetry. But their mindset shifted. “We used to strive for perfection, but now we embrace the differences. Great things are difficult because they challenge you, but that’s what makes them worth it,” Gabutina said.
The journey began in an old bakery. Gabutina’s family had been in the bakery business, but when it faltered, they pivoted to arts and crafts, led by his mother, Esmerna Uyguangco Gabutina.
What started as a community-based initiative has become a network of artisans. Tinabuan is now a collective, with partners in Bukidnon, Gingoog City, the Caraga region and Marinduque. Gabutina calls them part of the Tinabuan family’s “Tatak MISOR”—a network that represents Misamis Oriental.
Preserving the craft
Tinabuan faces challenges. Most of the artisans are older than 50, and while they have trained younger generations, keeping them in the craft is difficult.
Tinabuan is working with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to create programs to draw younger people into the craft.
“It’s not just a job, it’s our culture,” Gabutina said. “It’s important for the younger generation to see that making a living can also preserve our heritage.”
DTI as Lifeline
Gabutina said Tinabuan’s growth wouldn’t have been possible without DTI support.
“DTI has been like a lifeline for us. They’ve helped us in so many ways—whether through training programs, marketing, or connecting us with wider markets,” he said.
A key moment came when DTI arranged an exhibition in Manila. It opened new doors, allowing them to showcase their products to a larger audience. This exposure, Gabutina said, helped them learn new trends and marketing strategies. It also pushed them to think bigger.
Looking ahead, Gabutina is optimistic. With continued DTI support and the artisans at Tinabuan, the future of their handwoven bags looks bright.
“Every bag tells a story and we’re just here to make sure that story is heard,” Gabutina said.
While staying rooted in traditional designs, Tinabuan Arts and Crafts incorporates modern elements like leather to enhance comfort and functionality. (Photo: ALAO/PIA-10)
For Tinabuan Arts and Crafts, the focus is on preserving a tradition, sustaining cultural heritage and connecting the past and future, one stitch at a time. (ALAO/PIA-10)
