Dos Marias Handicrafts of Silay City was one of the pioneering members of the Association of Negros Producers (ANP). Owned by Myrna Batalla, the company manufactures export quality bamboo-based products such as trays, hot pads, table runners and lamps, vases, candle and wine holders, and magazine racks, among others.
The company started producing furniture in 1986 with only P600 capital. They first used buri midribs for the manufacture of sala sets, dividers, and book cases. However, supply of raw materials is not reliable thus the company turned to bamboo.
According to Mrs. Batalla, they chose bamboo because it is readily available. Bamboo clumps dot the Philippine countryside and Negros Occidental is no exception. They bought their raw materials from different suppliers in the Northern towns and cities of Negros Occidental. Unlike wood, she says bamboo is sustainable. She is right since these giant grasses are one of the fast growing and some species even grow as much four feet in one day.
The company became a member of the association in 1989 and was able to avail assistance on market linkages, exposure through trade fairs, and various technical and entrepreneurial trainings. Mrs. Batalla was very grateful for the ANP for enhancing their knowledge and also for extending financial assistance.
They also faced problems along the way but just like a bamboo, they are very resilient and learned to adapt to changes. Mrs. Batalla said that through the assistance of government agencies such as DOST and DTI, they were able to learn through the various trainings they attended.
In order to compete, they have to be very innovative especially in terms of design. Their products can be described as simple and functional thus it caught the attention of Tesoro and Rustan’s which are catering to the high end market.
When asked of advice for those who want to become entrepreneurs, Mrs. Batalla replied that one should use locally available raw materials, be industrious and creative, and should have a lot of patience since success cannot be achieved overnight.
Address : Maninihon, Guinhalaran, Silay City, Negros Occidental
E-mail Address : dosmarias_b@yahoo.com
Contact Number(s): (6334) 496 5984 /4950054(+63) 0921 2329224
Dos Marias Handicrafts is also one of the exhibitors during the 26th Negros Trade Fair on September 28 – October 2, 2011 at Rockwell Tent, Makati City.
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