For 18 years, Ma. Trina Sumayang has been promoting the weaving industry in Tubigon, Bohol across the country and abroad. Along with her hopes for the industry’s success is her goal of uplifting the livelihood of the dedicated women weavers in the municipality.
“I have been in the weaving industry for almost two decades already and have been extending help to many Bol-anon weavers. I want to continue helping more communities, but this time, with my own organization. That was why I put up Weaves Are Us,” Trina shared.
Weaves Are Us is an eight-month-old weavers association composed of 30 women members. They create products made of raffia, a type of fiber that comes from buri palms and is abundant in Bohol. With raffia as their primary source of raw material, they are able to produce bags, mats, leis, curtains, and costumes, among others.
Despite being new, they have already catered to customers from several regions in the country and abroad.
Being a PLDT and Smart subscriber has also been a great help for Trina in promoting their products online and reaching more buyers beyond their municipality. “As a budding organization, we rely heavily on promoting our products on social media. #SalamatSaInternet, we can get customers faster and easier with just a few clicks,” Trina said.
“This group of women motivates me to continue promoting the weaving industry in Bohol. I have been working with them even before they joined me in Weaves Are Us, and it feels rewarding to witness how this livelihood has empowered them and helped them sustain their families’ needs,” she said.
PLDT and Smart’s push to provide communication and connectivity for all, benefiting local businesses such as Weaves Are Us, underscores its commitment to helping the country attain the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG No. 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities.
