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Fair Costing, Fair Profit: MinSU Equips Mangyan Artisans Price Handicrafts Right

Mindoro State University conducted a Training on Costing and Pricing for Handicraft Products to empower the Mangyan community, helping artisans enhance their livelihoods, November 13, 2024.

Mindoro State University (MinSU) conducted a specialized training on costing for handicraft products on November 13, 2024, at Sitio Liguma, Barangay Lisap, Bongabong, aimed at empowering the Mangyan community. The session focused on helping artisans learn how to calculate fair costs and set appropriate prices for their handmade crafts, fostering sustainable livelihoods within the community.

This training is part of MinSU’s broader efforts to provide skill-building opportunities for the Mangyan people, helping them create income-generating activities while preserving their cultural heritage.

The training began with Ms. Joylet Escona, a trainer from LGU-Bansud, who taught the Mangyan participants how to weave high-quality handicrafts from Nito, a locally sourced material. Under her guidance, the artisans crafted durable wallets and handbags, blending traditional skills with modern techniques to produce marketable products.

After the weaving session, Mr. Jorge Gawad, Project Assistant II at MinSU, led a workshop on pricing strategies. He explained how to factor in material costs, labor time, production expenses, and other indirect costs when determining the right price for the products. He also emphasized the importance of understanding market trends, both locally and externally, to ensure the handicrafts are competitive and profitable.

 “Ngayon, alam na namin kung paano magpresyo ng tama. Hindi na kami malulugi dahil natutunan namin kung paano isama ang mga gastos sa paggawa ng produkto,” one participant shared.

“Ang training na ito ay nakatulong sa amin na magtakda ng presyo na makatarungan at makikinabang kami sa aming paggawa,” another Mangyan participant expressed.

This training was the second phase of MinSU’s Enhancing Livelihood of Mangyan Communities on Agriculture through Extension program, funded by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD). As part of the Science and Technology Community-Based for Inclusive Development (STC4iD) initiative, the project aims to equip Mangyan communities with the practical skills they need to ensure economic independence while preserving their indigenous craftsmanship.

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(Story by: Jorge C. Gawad)