Cococraft: Handicrafts Made of Coconuts

 

Background/Rationale

In the Rural Philippines, coconut farming is the main course of income. It is one of the main economic pillars of the nation and is primarily carried out by small landowners and a few coconut farms. According to, Aust. J. Basic & Appl. Sci., 9(32): 40-45, 2015, among the major agricultural commodities in Surigao del Sur only four (4) crops posted significantly stake under the regional perspective, namely: coconut, coffee, abaca, and soybean.

Aside from the mining works, fishing, trading, and cooperatives, farming is still one of the main source of income of the residents of Barangay Adlay, Carrascal Surigao del Sur. One of its main crops is the coconut whereas a lot of products can be made using it. Most of the people are aware of its oil production or commonly called by everyone as “copras,” vinegars, and liquors or “tuba”.

I envision to incorporate the context of Coconut farming to help uplift the livelihood of the unseen Single Parent’s Association here in Brgy. Adlay. I plan to initiate the establishment of Cococrafts as an enterprise to influence and introduce others into the making of different products from the distinguished parts of the coconut tree such as baskets, vases, hanging pots, foodstuffs and gardening supplies. This enterprise has not just introduced new innovations but also implicate big impact to the economic stability of each member.

 

Description of the Products

The making process of each crafts is followed steps by steps.

o   * Initially, the artisan begins by cutting off the Coconut shell with a band-saw to reveal the interior of the coconut

o   * Outer surface of the shell is cleaned using buffing machine and then inner part of the shell is smoothened

o   * Using a bastard file, half sliced shell is carved into required design

o   * Base part of the instant stick holder is made by cutting of the small circle out of coconut shell

o   * After a shape is cut out, the edges are made smooth by filing or by sanding with sand paper

o   * The base part of instant stick holder is then made holes by piercing with chisel

o   * Once the all parts of incense holder are carved out it is then fixed using quick adhesive

o   * It is then polished using wood polish

 

Benefits to Stakeholders

26 Single Parents in Barangay Adlay will be the direct beneficiary of the project. Through the emerging innovation of making useful and unique handicrafts we will be able to help our mothers have a job and make enough profits that they can be used on their daily basis expenses as well as promote the community’s eco-tourism and income stability.

 

Value Proposition

More work must be done to establish general sustainable practices throughout the worlds coconut business. But together all will be successful as long as continuous support with each other and determination are present in cultivating our own products, the Single Parents Association along with the Barangay Adlay will achieve the sustainability they all want.

“Let us support the craft out from the tree of life: May Pag-asa sa Kaniyogan!”