THE Davao Fashion and Design Council (DFDC) is now working on developing a business model to for indigenous people (IP) community in Davao Region in a bid to encourage them to start a business.
“What we really wanted is not just for the artisans or the IP community to be the makers and manufacturers, but we also want them to manage their own business,” DFDC secretary Emi Englis said on Wednesday, May 15, 2019.
“We are doing the academic structure and also the business model that we would be able to cascade down to the IP communities and one of these is the protection of their cultural heritage,” he added.
DFDC president Dodjie Batu told SunStar Davao that this is one of the goals of the council in the next five years for sustainable livelihood in the communities they are working with.
“This is for them to be encouraged to also teach their younger generation and have a sustainable business kasi yun ang minsan na problema. Nawawalan na ng interest and young people to do it kasi ang tradition at culture ay hindi na masyadong naha-hand-down (The young ones are losing interest in their tradition and culture because it is not being handed down to them properly),” Batu said.
“I hope in the near future, sila na talaga ang gagawa at magbenta ng mag produkto nila (they will be ones to make and sell their products) so that they will have a sustainable business,” he added.
Among the IP communities they are working with are the ones whose expertise is in stitching and weaving such as Bagobo Tagabawa and B’laan. The Mandaya tribe is more on hand-made bags and other crafts.
The business model being developed is a collaborative effort with the Philippine Women Collges (PWC).
“DFDC is also partners with PWC. [Developing a business model] is our share in the community. Even the curriculum of Bachelors in Fine Arts Design, we worked hand in hand with [PWC]. It is also to educate young designers,” he said.
Batu said the creative industry in the region is slowly being recognized for its innovative designs reflecting the culture and arts of its people.