FROM designs ranging from simple to dainty to intricate and sophisticated, it is no wonder that Yvette’s collection of crocheted straw bags have been featured countless times in local and international prestigious expositions and have adorned fashionistas abroad.
Yvette’s Bags and Beads Collection owner and founder Yvette Marie Celi Punzalan has already established her name in the fashion industry for almost 13 years. She has made handbags, shoulder bags, tote bags, clutch bags, coin purses, wallets, hair accessories, and headwears.
But it was not only because of her craftsmanship on the humble plastic straws that have drawn people to her product. It was on the sheer number of unprivileged people that she has uplifted by her business.
The computer engineering graduate Punzalan did not pursue a job in line with her degree. Instead, she indulged with her passion for arts and crafts rather than tinker computer circuit boards. She was crocheting a plastic straw bag as a pastime.
“I just made one bag for myself then my sister-in-law saw it and bought it. After that daghan nakakita, daghan nag order (Many people got interested in the bag and later ordered),” she shared.
However, the demand has become more than just a green light for a budding business. Rather, it was a livelihood opportunity for female inmates.
She was tapped by her father’s friend to train the women in the Ray of Hope at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in Brgy. Maa.
She started with 20 women inmates and grew to about 350 up to this year which already included some families in Maa.
“They work with me per piece and dili pa buo ang bags (It is not yet finished). I have 10 women in my workplace na nagabuo ana (who completes the bags). Ang uban naka laya (Those who were released), they still continue working with me,” Punzalan said.
“In the community, mga 25 na sila naga himo pud bags tabangan nila ang mga bana para naa (there are 25 women who help their husbands earn) additional income for the family,” she added.
She said the inmates alone can produce an average of 300 to 500 in a month and each of them earns about P5,000 to P7,000 monthly.
Punzalan soon became the secretary of the Mindanao Trade Expo Foundation, Inc. (MTEFI) and was assigned in the product development.
Her role allowed her to reach the indigenous peoples in the provinces in Davao Region and share her knowledge in crafting to improve their products, most specifically nito and bamboo crafts. She even innovated new products by embellishing baskets with crocheted straws or pom poms.
She worked with the Manobo, Tagakaulo, Mandaya, Bagobo Tagabawa, Kagan, and Matigsalug tribes.
“Helping the tribes boost their personality and we are also giving them a sustainable livelihood. They developed the mindset na dili ika-ulaw ang ilang tribo and happy pud sila nga daghan ganahan sa ilang ginagama (that they should not be ashamed of their tribe. They were also happy that many people appreciated their crafts),” she said.
Punzalan said having helped people, particularly the IPs and the inmates, is fulfillment for her.
“It's a wonderful feeling. It makes me happy that I have also inspired the inmates to have a positive view or perspective in life. That after the trials they experienced in life, nakatuon sila maningkamot para sa ilaha family kay dugay baya sila nalayo sa ilahang mga anak (they learned how to work hard for their family so they can stay longer with their children,” she said.
“That's how lucky I am to be with them. Thankful kaayo ko every day with the God-given talent that I was able to share it with them. It is so fulfilling,” she added.
As she helped the people grow with the business, she said the creative process that goes into each piece also made her understand herself more.
“As I go along, I learn. It was never perfect. So from the mistakes and errors, I really focused on my weaknesses. I was able to assess my personality, how I handle each situation, and it also boosts my personality,” she said, adding that her designs are reflections of her personality and still get amazed by it.