This Christmas, let’s shop local and give back to these Pinoy Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) which have kept Filipinos safe at home during the community quarantine by selling goods online.
Filipinos are enterprising in nature. In fact, SMEs account for more than 99% of the total number of establishments in the country and almost two-thirds of employment in the nation.
According to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez, these small to medium-sized businesses are also playing a huge part in revitalizing the economy amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“They serve as our country’s economic backbone, even when they were also the most affected by the economic crisis brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Secretary Lopez.
Despite the global health crisis, some of the SMEs listed below continue to give back to worthwhile causes while championing proudly Philippine-made products. Some are also providing indigenous peoples a source of livelihood and income during these difficult times.
Let’s support local by choosing to buy products from these SMEs this holiday season:
Lukal Ginger-Calamansi Drinks
Lukal PH began as an initiative by University of the Philippines (UP) students – Sofia Tagle and Meghan Sevilla – to help healthcare workers during the coronavirus global pandemic.
“Lukal“, an abbreviation of Filipino terms luya (ginger) and kalamansi (calamansi), is made of freshly squeezed calamansi and mixed with ginger. The drink concentrate was created by the UP B.S. Food Technology senior students while under lockdown.
The Lukal Ph Team matched every bottle purchased for Php260 with a bottle donation to hospital frontliners.
You may inquire for orders through Lukal PH’s official Facebook page.
Heritage Face Masks
Good News Pilipinas found reusable face masks made in the Philippines that not only meet the protective design requirements but also showcase Filipino heritage and innovation while being environmentally friendly.
Ifugao Nation Face Masks
Ifugao Nation, an arts and crafts store in Kiangan, Ifugao, that supports the conservation of Ifugao Rice Terraces by assisting weavers and farmers, created these weave face masks.
With the purchase of these masks, one does not only have protection against the virus, support the local economy and local culture, and also support other important groups. For every sale of 50 pcs, 20pcs will be given to vulnerable sectors, seniors, indigent members, hospital patients, and frontliners.
Orders can be sent through the Ifugao Nation Facebook page at this link.
Herencia Face Masks
The Herencia Face Masks Collection features the Noli x Fili Burdang Lumban Face Masks in collaboration with Dos Hermanos Sacred Vestment that uses cocoon fabric appliqued with Lumban’s Finest handmade full chain callado design and filter pockets.
Every Burdang Lumban face mask purchase from Herencia gives livelihood to the talented burdaderos of Lumban, Laguna, and aids with the conservation of their craft.
Also in the list of available items are the Yakan Face Masks which come from the Herencia x Lamitan City Yakan Weavers of Lamitan, Basilan.
Every Yakan face mask costs Php150 and purchases give livelihood to the Yakan weavers of Lamitan City Basilan. It also aids with the conservation of their craft.
Contact Herencia through this link.
Habing Maragondon Face Mask
Cavite’s Habing Maragondon Face Mask is the first local handwoven face mask that conformed to the (DOST-PTRI) Department of Science & Technology–Philippine Textile Research Institute, (DOH-PHST) Department of Health –Public Health Services Team & (WHO) World Health Organization Recommended Minimum Specifications for Non-Medical Face Masks for Community Use.
Habing Maragondon is a local textile made by the last three weavers of Maragondon, Cavite using antique wooden looms. It is made up of 40% upcycled fabric.
Contact them here.
Session Groceries
If you want Baguio farm-fresh produce but cannot travel to the northern Philippines, then this is the way – download the Session Groceries mobile app. Session Groceries delivers fresh fruits, vegetables, and other harvests from the farms of Benguet straight to your doorstep.
The Baguio-based online store started delivering to Baguio households in 2018. It has since expanded its coverage to Metro Manila, Cavite, and Laguna.
The social enterprise has made it their mission to help farmers fetch better prices for harvests than what they usually receive from traditional markets. Session Groceries provides ways for them to reach their market through online selling.
The Session Groceries mobile application is now available for download on android and iOS users.
Contact Session Groceries here.
OneSToreph
Philippine products from MSMEs are getting a marketing boost from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) OneSTore Ph platform.
More than 360 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are registered in the platform’s program. There are about 12,100 products available on the platform, a good fraction of which are in the food sector.
OneSTore Ph is part of DOST’s efforts to assist the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), in which they encourage and assist MSMEs in adopting progressive technological practices to further operations.
Get your fix of local Philippine-made products at http://onestore.ph/
Colecciones.ph
Colecciones.ph is an Instagram shop that offers reasonably priced and tastefully curated houseware and decor. If you’re looking for trendy and unusual finds, you will love Colecciones.
Where else can you find trendy plates, Moroccan tagines and a mystical mermaid? Only at Colecciones.ph!
The ongoing pandemic gave the owners a reason to finally put up their store as they wanted to provide Filipinos the convenience of purchasing quality homeware virtually without ever having to leave their own homes. The online store started selling last July 20, 2020.
The online shop by two friends who both wanted to make elegant and classy items they found while traveling more affordable for Filipinos have begun selling rare and nifty finds at competitive prices for everybody.
Items can be bought for as low as PhP 40! Due to items being limited and fast-moving, they are on a comment “Mine” basis.
Colecciones will then confirm if the item is “yours”. Just fill out their order form via direct message (DM) to reserve your chosen items for 24 hours.
Payments via bank transfer and Gcash are accepted. You can also try sending direct messages to Colecciones.ph for any special requests or a possible restock of your desired item.
Watch out for their Instagram stories, as they usually host a flash sale! Follow them on Instagram Colecciones.ph for new posts.
The holidays are here! If you want to feel more festive, check out 5 Creative Christmas Trees You Can See in the Philippines.
Here’s where you can WATCH Christmas Lights Shows Online in the safety of your own homes with your loved ones.
TELL US in the comments below, which Pinoy SME business are you supporting this holiday season?
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