BACOLOD City – Three outstanding enterprises in Negros Occidental have been recognized during the 2018 Panubli-on Heritage Awards in Iloilo City.
Cristina Gaston’s Hacienda Crafts was conferred the SME (Small and Medium Enterprise) of the Year for Negros Occidental award; Thelma Watanabe’s Negros Silk Producers Association, the Heritage Award for Negros Occidental; and Babylans Coco Crafts, Best Product for Home category in Western Visayas.
Negros Silk Producers Association was also given the award Best in Branding for Fashion category in the region.
The owners received the award from Department of Trade and Industry regional director Rebecca Rascon during rites at SM Southpoint on Nov. 17.
According to DTI-6, Gaston – also the Association of Negros Producers president – was credited for the growth of the furniture and furnishing industry in the Philippines.
Being the creative director and designer of Hacienda Crafts manifests her love for designing and architecture, said the agency.
“Their products are reflective of Gaston’s savvy as a designer. [They] also showcase the communities where the materials are sourced, as well as the culture and traditions of various parts of the country,” it added.
Gaston said she accepted the award on behalf of the weavers, craftsmen, gatherers, and designers behind Hacienda Crafts.
Their company was privileged to have learned from industry peers, Gaston said.
“The DTI has helped us expand our markets here and abroad through trade fairs and online platforms and by giving us the opportunity to collaborate with international designers,” she added.
Now on its second year, the Heritage Awards was part of the 2018 Regional Heritage Trade Event dubbed “Panubli-on: New+Now and Next Heritage.” Panubli-on is a Hiligaynon term meaning “heritage.”
Organized by DTI-6, the five-day event was held until Nov. 18.
DTI-Negros Occidental senior trade and industry development specialist Mae Buaron, at the sidelines of the awarding rites, said the agency recognizes MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises) for their efforts in giving pride and contributing to the development of the industry.
Buaron said they hope to further motivate local enterprises to continue improving and become more competitive through the recognition.
“We are happy that some of our MSMEs are recognized. They will for sure serve as inspiration to their fellow producers,” she said, adding, “We hope that their works will be inherited by future generations of entrepreneurs.”/PN
