Social Drivers of 21st Century Maragondon’s Bamboo Artisans

Abstract

Maragondon is the lone locality in Cavite that engages in bamboo usage. Economically, Maragondon, following the One Town One Product (OTOP) program, promoted bamboo products made by bamboo artisans for increased entrepreneurship. Employing a case study design, the study surveyed 68 artisans and conducted six interviews via semi-structured questionnaire to determine the characteristics, social drivers, and social challenges of the present-day bamboo artisans in Maragondon, Cavite. Descriptive and thematic analyses were conducted, and findings reveal that the bamboo artisans have over ten years of experience. They consider bamboo craftsmanship as part-time employment, regular employment, or personal business. Their income varies depending on their crafting frequency, capital, and source of bamboo poles. Furthermore, their craftsmanship is supported by the bamboo industry in Maragondon. Crafting bamboo provides them with financial opportunity and stability because bamboo as a primary material is less expensive and more accessible. Acquiring employment in Likhang Maragondon also helps the artisans with their livelihood. In terms of challenges, they face health-related concerns, lack of capital, dependency on loans, rising material coasts, and fluctuating demand for bamboo crafts. With that, the bamboo artisans suggested that the local government should provide inclusive programs for their industry.