Therma South Inc. (TSI) and Aboitiz Foundation Inc, has partnered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 11 for a comprehensive crafts livelihood project for the Matigsalug tribe in Marilog, Davao City.
The project is set to run for 11 months beginning February this year. It aims to capacitate a group of Martisalug women and out-of-school youth in the Marilog district to engage in community – based enterprise.
Aboitiz Power and DTI will help the Matigsalug tribe in identifying and producing indigenous products. The project will tap known local craft designers and established exporters like Great Gifts and Souveniers, TADECO Home and Mindanao Trade Expo.
This follows the donation of 12 sewing machines and raw materials to the Matigsalug Council of Elders Marilog District Davao City, Inc. (MACOEMADDACI) last year.
“MACOEMADDACI is very happy to be a recipient again of this sustainable livelihood package from AboitizPower and DTI. We are deeply grateful that this project’s strategy in enhancing our traditional products are all anchored on the unique culture of the Matigsalug tribe,” MACOEMADDACI President Datu Juanito Mandahay said.
Training interventions on crafts – making and basic business management will also be conducted with the project to assure sustainability of the envisioned community – based enterprise.
Meanwhile, DTI is set to help in promoting market access for the Matigsalug products by facilitating the group’s participation in local and national trade fairs and exhibitions.
“We are very excited about this livelihood project, especially that this will create a lasting impact on the lives of our Matigsalug partner communities,” TSI President and Chief Operating Officer Sebastian Lacson said.
The MACOEMADDACI is one of AboitizPower’s indigenous people (IP) partner organizations in TSI’s Carbon Sink Management Program (CSMP) that aims to plant at least a million trees in 10 years.
