(Photo courtesy of PNA)
PAGUDPUD, Ilocos Norte — Around 120 local artisans in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, are turning discarded coconut shells into marketable handicrafts, creating sustainable livelihood opportunities while preparing to expand into international markets.
Through community-based enterprises and government assistance, the artisans transform agricultural waste into household accessories, decorative items and souvenir products, promoting zero-waste practices and a circular economy.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has been supporting the initiative through machinery assistance, skills training, product development, benchmarking and marketing programs to improve the quality and competitiveness of locally produced coconut-based products.
Elizabeth Benemerito, chairperson of the Del Mar Shellcraft Multi-Purpose Cooperative, said government assistance has helped their enterprise expand beyond traditional souvenir-making.
“We are so thankful to DTI for the assistance they have given us through the years. From making coco shell handicrafts and souvenirs, our products have improved and expanded into what they are now,” Benemerito said in an interview.
The cooperative initially relied on collecting seashells and turning them into souvenirs for tourists. However, restrictions on collecting corals and seashells prompted its members to explore alternative materials.
“We used to collect seashells from the beach and turn them into souvenir items like trinkets for tourists, but as we go along, the government has banned the collection of corals and seashells. So, we thought of looking for other alternatives and the coco shells are just around Pagudpud,” she explained.
Coconut shells, which are typically discarded after their meat and water are extracted, have since become the primary raw material for the cooperative’s handicraft production.
By repurposing these materials, the artisans reduce agricultural waste while producing environmentally friendly products for consumers seeking sustainable alternatives.
Benemerito said the initiative also promotes the efficient use of coconut resources, ensuring that materials are maximized throughout the production process.
For local craft makers, the enterprise has become an important source of income, particularly for families that depend on traditional handicraft skills.
“It’s really hard to make, but we are happy that a lot of visitors are happy with our products,” artisan Daisy Jimenez told the Philippine News Agency.
Established in 2007, the Del Mar Shellcraft Multi-Purpose Cooperative has grown from a small community of shell gatherers into a diversified enterprise producing both food and non-food coconut-based products.
Aside from handicrafts, its expanding product line now includes virgin coconut oil, coco peat, coconut charcoal briquettes and twining materials.
The cooperative has received assistance from several government agencies, including the DTI, Cooperative Development Authority, Philippine Coconut Authority, Agricultural Training Institute, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and Department of Science and Technology.
Other supporting agencies include the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization, Department of Public Works and Highways, and Department of Tourism.
These agencies have provided various forms of technical assistance, enterprise development support, skills enhancement and market-linking opportunities to help strengthen the cooperative’s operations.
The enterprise has also begun exploring international markets.
In September, the DTI showcased some of the cooperative’s innovative coconut-based products at the 23rd China-ASEAN Expo in China, where 27 Filipino exhibitors participated to explore business opportunities and expand their market reach.
Mariane Joy de Guzman, product development specialist of DTI Ilocos Region, expressed confidence in the cooperative’s potential to compete internationally.
“With sustained support, Pagudpud’s coconut shell craft makers are export-ready,” De Guzman said in a recent interview.
The DTI said continued product development, improved production capabilities and access to wider markets could help the cooperative reach more customers and generate additional income for its members.
For Pagudpud’s artisans, the growing coconut-based enterprise demonstrates how agricultural by-products can be transformed into valuable products while supporting environmental protection, rural livelihoods and community development.
