ARBs in Tausuvan Falls train in handicraft making
KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato, June 6 (PIA) -- Local and foreign tourists visiting the scenic Tausuvan Falls in Barangay Bongolanon in Magpet, North Cotabato can now buy indigenous souvenir items from agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in the areas who were recently trained in handicraft making. Tausuvan Falls, popularly referred to as Bongolanon Falls, has been a favorite destination for day-time and overnight picnics because it is easily accessible from Kidapawan City and nearby places but visitors leave the place only with photos and the experience of dipping into ice-cold, crystal-clear water.
Just recently, the Department of Agrarian Reform in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry and the Tourism Office of LGU-Magpet conducted a two-day skills training in making handicrafts out of coconut shells.
Trainees included 23 agrarian reform beneficiary households in Bongolanon Agrarian Reform Community (ARC) who were taught making of key chains, wallets and wallets with key chains from coconut shells that are often
“Coconut shells are usually used as charcoal and latex cups for rubber plantations here in the Province. With this skills training, ARBs are taught how to convert coconut shells into useful handicrafts as souvenir items which could also enhance the tourism in their area,” DTI representative Angelito Villar said.
Villar also said that the livelihood project extended to the community is very feasible owing to the abundant source of raw materials in the area.
He is positive that with the interest and cooperation of the community, the livelihood project could become successful and sustainable in the long run.
Meanwhile, Provincial Agrarian Reform Provincial Officer Marion Abella said the livelihood project will surely boost the socio-economic condition of the ARBs by providing them additional income and generating employment among ARB households and out-of-school youth in the area.
“DAR is grateful to agencies such as the DTI and LGU-Magpet for their continuous assistance and partnerships in alleviating poverty and promoting development in the ARCs,” Abella said.
“Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our ARBs through the delivery of support services such as this livelihood project,” she added.
After the training, the DTI also provided the participants with equipment and materials they could use for their livelihood project.
These consisted of 1 electric bench grinder, 2 hand drills with drill bits, 2 hack saws, and other supplies such as vinyl tiles, cutter, zipper, nylon thread, sand paper, key chain rings, and rugby.
Management and care of these equipment and tools has been consigned to the Bongolanon Agrarian Reform Workers’ Association.
DAR, DTI, and LGU-Magpet will also conduct the same livelihood project skills training in Kisandal and Tagbac ARCs of Magpet.
Residents around Tausuvan Falls sell the handicraft products at the following prices: key chain- P25.00; wallet - P50.00; wallet with key chain - P75.00. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with ROrejudos DAR-North Cotabato)
Source: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=1611402024974
