Bamboo, for its durability, is commonly used as a material in building structures such as bridges, scaffoldings, floors, and roofs. This grass variety is also utilized as a primary raw material in the production of local crafts – the main source of income for the family of Mrs. Gina Gillado. Gina is a Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program grantee from Brgy. Lapaz-Tubog, Hamtic, Antique. For 26 years, bamboo crafts production has been the family’s livelihood which supports their daily needs and the educational expenses of their three children. Gina’s husband, Ariston Gillado Sr. is a fisherman and a producer of “Panggal” – a bamboo-woven tool used in fishing that serves as a trap for fish and shellfish. “Panggal ” is a necessary accessory for fishing, especially during the rainy season.

The cost of “panggal” varies from ₱60.00 – ₱80.00 depending on its size. Aside from “panggal”, they also produce “pugadan” and “amakan” which are usually purchased by their neighbors and residents for their respective livelihood. With their long years in the business, this still did not spare the family from poverty challenges. At times, they would skip a meal due to a lack of funds and their children would have to attend school without any allowance for the rest of the day. Their life was even more challenged when the pandemic started.

On January 13, 2021, Gina received ₱15,000 worth of Livelihood Assistance Grant from the DSWD Sustainable Livelihood Program as an aid in the recovery of their enterprise from the effects brought by the pandemic. They used the grant to purchase additional equipment that is necessary for the production of their bamboo-based products. At present, they accommodate customers not only from neighboring barangays of Hamtic but also from the municipalities of Miag-ao and San Joaquin, Iloilo. To further promote their products, Nanay Gina’s daughter posts their items on her social media account which widens their reach to target buyers.

Nanay Gina expressed her gratitude to the program for giving her the opportunity to receive such grant. This has also helped her to acquire a motor banca of their own for the fishing activities of her husband and regularly purchase food supplies for their family. With gradual improvements in their life, the family continues to strive to maintain their main source of income and pursue the education of their children.###(Bonna F. Magbanua of Antique SLP Provincial Office and WOOchon/SLPRPMO)