HANDCRAFTED. A man from Calbayog City, Samar makes basket out of rattan. The Samar provincial government launched on Friday (Oct. 27, 2023) a new brand of its high-end handcrafted products, making it more affordable to local buyers. (Photo courtesy of Mercado by Lara)
TACLOBAN CITY – The Samar provincial government launched on Friday a new brand of its high-end handcrafted products, making it more affordable to local buyers.
Mercado by Lara is a brand that gives new life to the local economy by offering a range of high-quality, locally produced home products crafted by creative individuals who often have limited resources and opportunities to promote their work, according to Evan Khristine Siazon, the Lara and Creative Industry Development Project Manager said.
Mercado, which means market, is a sub-brand of Lara, the local term for weaving, and also the brand of high-quality native bags made in Basey, Samar.
Lara’s target markets are overseas and based in Manila. Mercado, on the other hand, eyes shoppers from the Eastern Visayas region and other parts of the country.
"The sub-brand offers a diverse range of quality, culturally inspired products, bringing affordability to excellence. The brand's commitment to empower local artisans and fostering economic growth aligns perfectly with the traditions of the province,” Siazon told the Philippine News Agency.
Siazon said one of the standout features of Mercado by Lara is its dedication to quality and affordability without compromising the integrity of the Lara brand.
The product line includes a wide array of items crafted from locally sourced materials. Some of the featured products are woven mats, bags, baskets, and other handicrafts from the towns of Gandara, Tagapul-an, and Hinabangan, and Calbayog City.
Lara is a pet project of Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan launched in 2018 highlighting the various woven products of Basey town to make indigenous products more popular in the global market, elevating the local products to the international market.
Mercado by Lara made its debut during the recent Bahandi Eastern Visayas Trade Fair held at SM Megamall on October 11 to 15, 2023, where it was “met with great enthusiasm from both the local community and visitors alike.”
"At Mercado, sustainability and ethical practices are at the heart of what we do. We work closely with local artisans, ensuring fair compensation for their work and using eco-friendly materials whenever possible. By choosing Mercado, customers play an active role in supporting the livelihoods of Samar's talented craftsmen and women," Siazon said.
The launch of Mercado by Lara seeks to promote eco-friendly living while providing livelihood opportunities to skilled individuals of Samar. (PNA)
