Department of Social Welfare and Development beneficiaries from Tabuelan, northern Cebu display their products during the PaskoJuan Bazaar at the White Gold parking area. (CDN PHOTO/TONEE DESPOJO)
IN a community where the livelihood of most families is basket weaving, one family decided to step up its game and look for a bigger market.
Irene Montejo, a weaver from Tabuelan, said it is a challenge to sell baskets and other woven products in their community.
“Everyone is selling the same product. Everyone is doing the same thing. So no one there will buy from you since they’re also selling it,” she said.
Montejo and some members of her family participated in the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s one-day “PaskoJuan” bazaar and festival in White Gold House in Cebu City recently.
According to Montejo, everyone in their family knows how to weave. It was the second time for the family to participate in DSWD’s event.
“Our products sell fast here. Last year, we left the bazaar early because all our wares sold out quickly,” she said.
Asked why she thought their wares were so saleable, Montejo said it could be because the designs are very unique and native.
“You can’t find this in the city. Locals and tourists find it different and interesting,” she said.
“Made correctly, the containers are also very durable,” she added.
For weavers in Tabuelan, however, the sight of their materials and the baskets and other woven containers is common.
Montejo said the weaving process depends on the size and shape of the container and can take from three hours to a day.
Weavers should take note of the tightness and uniformity of their weaves. For square containers, the straightness and rigidness of the edges should also be considered.
“This is also how you make sure you’re competitive compared to your neighbors,” Montejo added.
The Montejo family is not only looking for a bigger domestic market, but is also looking into exporting their products.
They have also been commissioned for bulk items several times in the past, both by local buyers and those abroad.
“We are really looking for buyers. This is our livelihood,” Montejo said.
Interested buyers can contact and order items through her phone number at 0907 823 4304.