BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC), in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development – Sustainable Livelihood Program Association (DSWD-SLPA), conducted a rattan weaving workshop to empower local communities through heritage-based livelihood training.
Held at the JHMC Office, the workshop served as a platform for capacity-building among marginalized sectors, equipping participants with practical skills in crafting rattan products such as cups and flower vases.
The initiative underscores JHMC’s institutional commitment to sustainable tourism and community empowerment, particularly through the integration of indigenous craftsmanship into modern livelihood opportunities.
The training was facilitated by Ili-Likha artists Jason Domling and Allen Balisong, whose expertise in traditional weaving techniques provided participants with both technical proficiency and cultural insight.
The session was lauded for its blend of heritage and innovation, fostering creativity and resilience among attendees.
Participants included representatives from various community organizations like Atok Trail Women’s SLPA, Salat SLPA, Happy Hollow Agriculture SLPA, Indigenous Community Livelihood Association, Loakan-Apugan Sustainable Livelihood Association, Irisan Women’s Association, and individual members from multiple barangays, including the PWD Association of Baguio.
Their active engagement reflected a shared aspiration for economic self-sufficiency and cultural pride.
Observers from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Benguet, Sarah Jane O. Ubfan, and Shirley G. Carino were present throughout the activity, actively assessing its potential for broader livelihood integration and market viability.
Their involvement not only reinforced the multi-sectoral collaboration behind the initiative but also signaled institutional interest in scaling heritage-based economic opportunities.
JHMC President and CEO Manjit Singh Reandi expressed full support for the initiative, stating, “We are committed to making locally crafted products more accessible to the public and to helping our communities transform traditional skills into viable market opportunities. This is not just about livelihood, it’s about pride, sustainability, and inclusive growth.” He further emphasized that Camp John Hay, with its steady foot traffic from tourists and locals alike, offers a strategic venue to showcase and market these community-made products, creating a tangible link between heritage craftsmanship and economic opportunity.
