Pagudpud:Coconut shell craft makers in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, are transforming agricultural waste into valuable products as they prepare to expand their market reach through eco-friendly handicrafts. These artisans are promoting zero-waste practices and a circular economy, turning discarded coconut shells into functional and decorative items.
According to Philippines News Agency, the initiative involves around 120 local artisans who are part of community-based livelihood projects. These projects enable them to utilize natural resources effectively while creating sustainable income opportunities for rural households. They receive support from various government agencies, particularly the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), which provides machinery, training, product development, and marketing assistance to enhance their products and production capabilities.
The artisans have expressed gratitude for the support from DTI, which has helped improve and expand their range of products from basic souvenirs to more sophisticated items. Coconut shells, typically discarded after extraction of meat and water, are now being repurposed into household accessories, decorative items, and novelty products, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers.
The community-based enterprise not only provides livelihood opportunities for residents but also promotes a circular economy by maximizing the use of coconut resources. The cooperative, organized in 2007, has evolved from shell gatherers to a diversified social enterprise focusing on coco shell handicrafts, ensuring minimal waste in the process.
Enterprise development interventions, product improvement, and market-linking activities have enhanced the quality and competitiveness of their coconut-based products, including virgin coconut oil, coco peat, and coconut charcoal briquettes. In a bid to explore wider markets, the DTI recently showcased some of their products at the 23rd China-ASEAN Expo.
With continued support, Pagudpud's coconut shell craft makers are poised to enter the global market, reflecting a commitment to environmental protection, community empowerment, and responsible resource use.
