WOMEN OF ILOCOS. These women from Ilocos Norte learn the trade of chocolate-making at the Robinsons Place Ilocos on Monday (March 14, 2022). Organized by the Department of Tourism and Industry-Ilocos Norte, the crafts demonstration aimed to showcase the talent and ingenuity of Ilocos women who rise above the challenges of the new normal. (Photo courtesy of Robinsons Place Ilocos)
LAOAG CITY – Three Ilocos women have decided to share their expertise to inspire fellow women in a two-day craft demonstration series on March 14 and 15 at the Robinsons Place Ilocos in San Nicolas town, Ilocos Norte.
Born with a passion to create change for women, the three empowered women - Dr. Biemaju Waley-Bawingan, Elizabeth Benemerito, and Angelie Banaag - were brought together by the Department of Trade and Industry to take part in a one-of-a-kind crafts demonstration to show how they rose above the challenges of the new normal.
Maricor Racela, senior trade industry development specialist and trade promotions officer of the DTI-Ilocos Norte, on Tuesday said the acticity is in time for the women’s month celebration this March.
"These three women were chosen to represent the women of Ilocos as they continue to serve as an inspiration to others by using their God-given talent and ingenuity to effect change in their own field," she said.
A doctor by profession, Bawingan is grinding her passion to create locally-made chocolate products in the indigenous peoples (IPs) community of Adams, Ilocos Norte.
In her hometown, Bawingan teaches fellow women to process their own cacao chocolate bars, tableas, cacao wine, and chocomint drinks while inspiring them to expand their cacao plantations to sustain a small chocolate factory that she founded to provide employment to the locals.
With funding support from the DTI, Bawingan’s group of women farmer-entrepreneurs are slowly starting to promote their own chocolate products as they plan to expand their existing cacao farms in the future.
Part of the plan is to come up with a local brand of chocolates from organically-grown cacao plant varieties that thrive well in the upland town of Adams, an emerging tourist destination for its rich natural resources and friendly locals.
Meanwhile, the artistic works of Angelie Banaag have already been a byword within the Ilocos women's fashion and art circles for her innovative craftsmanship in painting fashionable earrings and homestyle industries.
As an artist, Banaag said her life’s purpose was to make a huge difference through her art. Banaag is the maker of the local brand Artritos that customizes earrings and wraparound skirts, as well as sells collectible paintings that reflect every woman’s unique personality and style.
Her works of art had been showcased in various local and international exhibits while portions of the proceeds from her works have been given to charity projects of her choice.
On the other hand, Benemerito is the woman behind the success of Pagudpud town’s most innovative "One Town, One Product" coco shell crafts.
Through the DTI and the Pagudpud local government unit, the Del Mar Shellcrafts Multi-purpose Cooperative, with at least 76 members who are mostly wives of fishermen in the coastal village of Saud, is now gaining ground in the export market.
The cooperative is engaged in making and selling genuine items such as fashion accessories and handicrafts made of coconut shells. Some of their products include coco kubyertos (utensils), coco shell candle holders, and coco cup, among others. Benemerito said these products are sought after by resellers abroad.
Benemerito admitted their products could be a little pricy but that's because their coconut shell products are "unique and classy.”
“We are glad that our local artisans are given more exposure here and abroad,” she said as she thanked the DTI for providing more avenues for them to improve and promote their crafts. (PNA)
