“I can do this myself.” This thought prompted the former rattan products trader, Mary Grace O. Mariano, to manufacture her own crafts which gave birth to Gracia’s Amor Rattan Products Manufacturing in January 2022.
Like a rattan that climbs and has long tough stems, Grace grew her own strong but flexible vines and climbed her way to the top with the support of the people and organizations around her.
She started as a trader of rattan products and consumer goods in 2021 under the business name, Gracia’s Amor Consumer Goods Trading. When asked about the business activity during the registration of her business name with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Tarlac, Grace mentioned that she will initially focus on trading but with plans of manufacturing her own similar products in the near future.
The business name processor was thrilled to hear about her plans and encouraged her to produce her own products. Grace was asked to visit the agency again as they can extend additional services to her, such as product development and market matching, once she became a local manufacturer.
Grace eventually learned the craft and started making her own baskets and home decor. She visited the agency in January 2022 and registered her new business name.
Ms. Ana Marie Tabamo, the Trade Promotions Officer (TPO) of DTI-Tarlac, visited her manufacturing site in Barangay Sinait, Tarlac City with only three skilled workers during that time. She was then invited to showcase her products in various trade fairs such as the Tarlac Trade Fair in SM City Tarlac in February 2022.
From then, Gracia’s Amor became a regular fixture in various activities of the agency like the Small and Medium Enterprise Roving Academy (SMERA) seminars, local trade fairs like the Tatak Tarlac Fair in CityMall, Kaisa Fair, Kanlahi Fair, and the Magic Star Mall Grand Bazaar.
Her products are currently in different pasalubong centers including Maya’t Malagu Pasalubong Shop and the OTOP Hub at CityMall, SCTEX Concepcion, Tarlac, and the Komunidad Arts and Crafts in Tarlac City.
Additionally, she was one of the beneficiaries of the Pondo sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa (PPG) program and was awarded power tools to help in her production.
With her exposure to the different activities, there is an increase in the demand for her products requiring more skilled workers for production. Thus, she conducts skills training for individuals interested in her craft and at the same time scout for possible employees. In this way, she was able to help the community and grow her business at the same time.
Gracia’s Amor was also chosen as one of the beneficiaries of the product development activity of the One Town One Product (OTOP) program of DTI-Tarlac which aims to enhance the existing designs and come up with new products for the company.
With the new prototypes, Grace was able to join the Likha ng Central Luzon of the DTI – Region 3 at SM Megamall, Tarlac City.
Through the partnership of DTI Tarlac and the Provincial Government of Tarlac – Provincial Cooperative and Enterprise Development Office (PGT-PCEDO), Gracia’s Amor was identified as one of the Tarlac manufacturers to join the 2023 Ambiente Trade Show in Frankfurt, Germany. In preparation for the said fair, a series of consultations was conducted with the Center for International Trade Exposition Mission (CITEM) and the Design Center of the Philippines (DCP).
From the aforementioned activities, Grace was able to produce world-class products and learned ways on how to negotiate with international buyers. “I am very grateful to DTI, CITEM, DCP, PGT-PCEDO, and Governor Susan Yap for the trust they have given me to represent not only our province but also our country, in one of the leading European trade shows. This event will definitely be one of the highlights of my life as an entrepreneur.” Grace said.
Grace has definitely discovered that magical ticket that will open the doors of the different countries in the world – her rattan products. (Ana Marie Tabamo and Ma. Fatima David of DTI Tarlac)
