The Al-Jamelah Organization
Cotobato City, Maguindanao

The Al-Jamelah Organization, header by its President and founder Bai Albaya Wampa, creates corloful scarves and malongs in Maguindanao known as the Inaul. Founded in 1997, the Al-Jamelah is a cooperative of women who seek to empower its members by employing them in the weaving of the traditional scarves, shawls, malong (skirt) and other clothing. These are then sold in both the local and international markets.

Most of the women were members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) which had been in conflict with the government since the 1970s to gain independence for Mindanao particularly the Islamic regions. In 1996, the MNLF signed a peace agreement with the government when it was granted autonomy in Muslim Mindanao.

Like other women members, Bai Albaya Wampa, was active in the MNLF during the years of conflict. However, upon the signing of the peace deal, the women found themselves with nothing more to do. It was in this circumstance that a group of friends that included Bai Albaya Wampa decided to create an organization composed of the widows, women and children of former MNLF members. Through proper channels, the Organization was extended financial help by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) to formally launch the organization and the weaving center.

The war that was created much impact on the lives of people in Cotobato and its surrounding areas.  Widows, children and former women fighters lives have been changed by the conflict which resulted much to a loss of lives physically, economically. Through the weaving enterprise of the Al-Jamelah Organization, the women have found solace and hope to alleviate their lives from poverty and continue to rebuild their lives toward a future that includes a more comfortable life and a brighter future for their children.

The Al-Jamelah has worked well through the years, earning enough from the sales of the clothes to sustain itself. It currently employs 56 weavers who earn enough for their daily needs and have little extra to send their children to school. Bai Albaya Wampa, together with the other women believe that it is through livelihood such as what the Al-Jamelah Organization has established that will completely stop war and conflict.

Bai Albaya Wampa certainly speaks based on insight, experience and is the  definite authority to listen to about how livelihoods helping to stop war and conflict. She has the  Al-Jamelah Organization to give credence to this statement and its success surely speaks for itself.

Broad Initiatives for Negros Development (BIND) Greenshoppe
Bacolod City, Negros Occidental

Negros Greenshoppe started it operations in December 2000 with its first branch at the Bacolod City Central Market and later opened its second and third branches at the Adela Arcade and the La Castellana.

The Negros Greenshoppe is an initiative of the Braod Initiatives for Negros Development (BIND) and its community based partner organizations who sold organic food and handicrafts at agro and trade fairs in the province. Prior to the establishment of the Negros Greenshoppe, outlets were confined to trade fairs organized by Local Government Units, government agancies, non-government organizations, schools and sometimes, organized by the BIND itself.

Through these initiatives, it was realized that there were not enough market opportunities and that the present market showed inconsistency in its purchasing habits. The participation in trade fairs where locations and dates were not consistent also attributed to the buyers not knowing when and where they can go for return purchase. The need for a more permanent shop and location was realized, thus prompting and inspiring BIND and its partner organizations were inspired to rent a stall to ensure the continuous sales of products and make it easier for buyers to purchase and order.

Primarily marketing products of BIND’s community-based partners, the Negros Greenshoppe currently markets and sells products from 18 of these partners. To ensure the sustainability of the organic food and handicrafts produced by its partners, the BIND assists in the management of the resources and works with the partners in ensuring the stability of supply. By spearheading projects to facilitate the propagation of plant species needed in the production of craft products.

Some of the primary craft products being sold and marketed by the Negros Greenshoppe are woven cogon placemats, bowls & baskets; pandan mats, boxes and bags; bamboo pens, chimes & baskets; tikog slippers and bags, among others.

Nagkakaisang Tribu ng Palawan (NATRIPAL)
Puerto Prinsesa, Palawan

NATRIPAL, which stands for Nagkakaisang Tribu ng Palawan (United Tribes of Palawan) is a province-wide federation of Indigenous Peoples in the island of Palawan. Composed mainly of the three main tribes that inhabit the island, they are generally divided geographically: the Tagbanua live in the central and northern areas while the Pala’wan reside on the southern tip, and the Batak occupy the central Puerto Princesa (Palawan’s capital) area and part of the adjacent vicinity of Roxas.

Natripal was officially registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission in 1989 as a non-stock, non-profit Peoples’ Organization. Today, the organization has 55 local association members located all across the mainland of Palawan, all dedicated to serving the people.

Natripal has been assisting its members thru its enterprise in the marketing of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) collected by the indigenous people of Palawan. A wide range of NTFPs are gathered, processed and marketed by the Natripal and these include wild honey from the forests, resin from Almaciga (Agathis Philippineses), rattan (Calamus merrillii), pandan mats, handmade paper and other products that are developed by the members.

Aside from the marketing and selling of products from NTFPs, Natripal advocates and promotes the preservation of the Indigenous culture and heritage of the Indigenous Peoples of Palawan, assists and support sustainable resource management practices and campaign in raising the quality of life for the indigenous peoples of Palawan.