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.
