Kalinga ethnic souvenir shop booms with local products

TABUK CITY -- Started more than two decades ago as a small native gift shop, KINWA Etnika, is now a booming souvenir store in the heart of this city.

 Florence Ao-wat, owner-manager, recalled how her small store hurdled trying times in the early ‘90s when appreciation for Kalinga ethnic fashion was still low.

But she persisted as she faced head on the challenges that came her way, while finding ways to improve her craft.

Today, KINWA Etnika is a top brand for Kalinga native products from the array of woven tapestry, lady’s apparel, bags, shoes, blankets, gifts, souvenir items, beads, necklace and other accessories.

 Florence attributes much of this success to interventions from government agencies like the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Tourism, Department of Education and many others.

 KINWA Etnika together with the whole handicraft industry of the province got their marketing promotion in trade fairs organized by DTI, here and cities outside the province, Florence acknowledged.

 Through fairs, new markets were opened, and booked orders are coming, she said.

 With DTI’s program on One Town One Product (OTOP), this industry got a big push gaining local micro-producers substantial sales during fairs and bonanzas.

Because of increasing demands, Florence availed of DTI’s equipment assistance through the Shared Service Facility (SSF) where she obtained high-speed sewing machines.

 To stay competitive, she continues innovating new products and designs that fit buyers’ preference.

 With the growing business, KINWA Etnika now gives favor back to the community by providing employment opportunities to young graduates seeking jobs.

 She advises the young to develop ‘love of culture’ saying this is the fire that keeps her in the business amidst ups and downs. (JDP/LL-PIA CAR, Kalinga)