The birth of Nasabeka is a result of the sustained partnership between the government and private sector in developing local communities, through pooled resources of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Therma South, Inc. (TSI), and MTE Foundation, Inc. (MTEFI) to equip the Matigsalug Council of Elders of Marilog District, Davao City, Inc. (MACOEMADDACI).
The brand was launched during the opening ceremony of MTE 2017 in Abreeza Mall last August 11, “Nasabeka” carries not only the ingenuity of one of the city’s original inhabitants, but also the uniqueness of their culture.
MTEFI president Rosevic Del Rosario-Cembrano said bringing the brand to the national exhibition will introduce the Matigsalugs to potential institutional markets
“As what Nasabeka means, we want unity to really prevail in all the endeavors that we do. We want that the organization will continuously work with our partners to improve the lives of all local entrepreneurs, especially those from the communities,” Del Rosario-Cembrano said.
It further exudes their commitment to product excellence and oneness with our objective for a better future. Bearing the theme “Connecting Mindanao,” the MTE show in Glorietta is expected to open doors of opportunity for the island-region’s products and services. This will also serve as an avenue to underscore the ingenuity, reliability and creativity of the entrepreneurs behind them.
“With the Matigsalug’s brand as among the MTE in Glorietta highlights, we are optimistic they will find new markets. After all, every intricate detail of their products represents their culture and the craftsmanship being passed on from generation to generation,” she said.
With the help of professional designers, training and seminars on the development of beads and agsam (a kind of fern), pompom (Sangkad), wearable, and basketry were conducted.
At the end of series of skills upgrading interventions, unique and modern Matigsalug-inspired products were produced.
The designers who assist the Matigsalugs are Frankie Galagnara of Philippine Women’s College and Emi Englisof Emi Englis Couture and MTE Design Team for wearable, Yvette Punzalan of Yvette’s Bags Collections and MTEFI Product Development Trustee In-charge for pompom., DTI Designers Pool Juvenal Fernandez of Tagum Development Company, Inc. (TADECO) for basketry; Leny Castillo of Great Gifts Souvenirs for beads and agsam.-Jenny Mendoza/PNA
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