PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur (PIA) - Residents from a mountainous and almost inaccessible area in Agusan del Sur are busy filling up an order worth P1.6 million from a Cebu-based exporter.
This developed after the Lucac, Bitan-agan, Das-agan (LUBIDA) Agsam Handicraft Weavers Association clinched a deal from 33Point 3 Exports, Inc.
This big break happened to LUBIDA's "agsam basket" when it was showcased during the Yamang Mindanao Fair in General Santos City early this year.
The product apparently caught the attention of Jenifer Cruz, owner of 33Point3 Exports, Inc.
With a keen eye for exceptional products, he was optimistic that the agsam basket would make it big in the international scene.
LUBIDA's deal involved producing some 10,428 pieces of agsam baskets which it will deliver to its big brother on a weekly basis.
Cruz is a "big brother" identified under the Department of Trade and Industry's (DTI's) Subcontracting Project for Innovation or SPIN.
SPIN is a strategy to trickle down economic growth to the poorest of the poor. It encourages entrepreneurship specifically in former conflict areas.
It was learned that the big brother program matches exporters to subcontractors in the rural areas so that people in these areas can immediately generate income.
Cruz collaborated with the DTI-Caraga and DTI Agusan del Sur Provincial Office to embark on Skills Enhancement Training for Agsam Craft Production right at the raw material source in Barangay Lucac, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur.
The 4-day skills enhancement training was attended by at least 70 weavers of LUBIDA Agsam Handicrafts Weavers Association and 11 from Lanuza, Surigao del Sur.
The training proved successful as the trainees were able to execute the four designs/samples of the buyer and according to the quality standards.
